George School Student's Painting Wins 'Best In Show,' $250 Award In Juried Youth Contest

NEW HOPE, PA — A George School senior was named "Best In Show" and received a $250 prize for her oil painting in the 9th Annual Phillips' Mill Youth Art Exhibition.

Annika Crawford's painting "Alton" was called "exceptional" and "extraordinary" by the competition's juror, the Lambertville filmmaker and painter Bill Jersey.

He said it was "hard to believe a student has done this piece."

Other Newtown locals stood out among the 150 pieces on display, too: Anna Williamson of Council Rock High School North took first place and Alexis Fillipov of Council Rock High School South took second place for their three-dimensional works. Another George School student, Katie Rose Hendry, took second place in the digital art and photography category.

In a profile by the George School, Crawford said she was interested in exploring portraiture and memory in her piece.

"I sharpened detail on Alton, while blurring the background, to simulate how the eye focuses on single subjects, as I was aiming for pure realism,” she said.

The youth art exhibition is the only one of its size and judging capabilities locally, according to a news release. No entry fees are charged.

“The program was launched in 2014 to support the artistic community of the future, and to offer aspiring artists in our region the chance to gain exposure and experience exhibiting with a prestigious arts organization,” said Kathy Schroeher, the exhibition's co-chair.

Normally, the show is open to the public in the historic Phillips' Mill on River Road and works are offered for sale. The show is online only this year due to COVID-19, so no sales will be possible; but you can see all the artworks from right where you sit by viewing the show online through Feb. 27.

A total of $2,400 in cash prizes was awarded to the young artists, funded by sponsors and Phillips' Mill community members.

First place winners received $200, second place winners received $150, third place winners received $100, and honorable mention honorees received $50.

The following students were awarded prizes:

Painting

• First Place: Madison Talbert, "Luck In Boldness," Ewing High School
• Second Place: Dominic Rivera, "Before the Storm," Holy Ghost Prep
• Third Place: Gabriel Kortepeter, "Mountain Sunset," Ewing High School

Works on Paper

• First Place: Caroline Colman, "Repetitive Mornings," Central Bucks High School West
• Second Place: Madeline Malitas, "Self Portrait," Upper Dublin High School
• Third Place: Chloe Boocock, "Killing Invasives," The Pennington School
• Honorable Mention: Olivia Phelan, "Kurtis Conner" Neshaminy High School
• Honorable Mention: Camryn McDermid, "Flower Boots" Hillsborough High School
• Honorable Mention: Peyton Scratchard, "The Dance" Pennsbury High School

Digital Art & Photography

• First Place: Dongfang Qu, "Lost in Paradise," Princeton Day School
• Second Place: Katie Rose Hendry, "Interdependence," George School
• Third Place: Tyler Davy, "Bandito," Central Bucks High School South
• Honorable Mention: Tyler Dinn, "Jump," Central Bucks High School East
• Honorable Mention: Gabrielle Long, "Phantom Portrait with Flower," Central Bucks High School South
• Honorable Mention: Rynn Spring, "Portrait," Central Bucks High School South
• Honorable Mention: Backpack Filiatrault, "Dice/Motion," Central Bucks High School West

Three-Dimensional Works

• First Place: Anna Williamson, "Nest," Council Rock High School North
• Second Place: Alexis Filippov, "Lemons in Decay," Council Rock High School South
• Third Place: Ethan Weggel, "Ceramic Coil Vessel," Upper Dublin High School

Students from 23 area schools had their work featured in this year's show.

See the 9th Annual Youth Art Exhibition's juried gallery show here.

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