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I am one of the three sculptors that judge annually for the Culture Shapers Art contest. The sculpture category contains a variety of sculpture–clay, wire, welded bronze, glass, jewelry, and fabric, basically anything 3D that does not fit into the other categories. The two other judges that accompany me in the sculpture category are Richard Fielden and Ben Woitena. It is a good mix of judges, because our styles and background in sculpting are all quite different. When I come across a piece in the competition that is created in a different medium than what I am familiar with, such as carved alabaster or a welded abstract, I fall back on the expertise of these two men. I am not; however, bashful about sharing my own opinion and fighting for the pieces that I love.

Click here to read the rest of this article, by Bridgette Mongeon, Sculpture Judge »

Sculptor Bridgette Mongeon is seeking a marketing/public relations intern to assist with collaboration on several projects. Many of these projects are Christian-based. Though this position has no monetary compensation it could turn into a full time paid position depending on the results that are obtained and the enthusiasm and work relationship between artist and intern.

Creativity and a passion for public relations is a must. Experience is helpful, but not necessary, as the artist teaches these skills to others and is willing to combine her knowledge with your talent and initiative. For further information, contact Bridgette Mongeon at: Bridgette@creativesculpture.com.

More of this artist/writer/speaker’s work can be seen at: www.creativesculpture.com and: www.godsword.net.

Are you a creative filmmaker?

A Houston artist is seeking a video intern to assist with shooting videos that will be placed on YouTube and used in marketing. Digital video camera is helpful but not necessary. Job will assist in creative collaboration on short videos, and shooting. Editing skills helpful, but not necessary. There is no monetary compensation for these projects, but all efforts will be made to promote the creative talents of the intern. If you know of someone who is interested, please contact Bridgette Mongeon at: bridgette@creativesculpture.com

See also the artist’s website(s): www.creativesculpture.com and: www.godsword.net

Didn’t get to attend the Visual Arts Awards Presentation? Here’s your chance to enjoy every high-energy, emotion-filled moment. Pop some popcorn, pull up a comfortable chair and enjoy…

I’d just like to say thank you to every contributor at this years Culture Shapers event. I had a great time and enjoyed every minute. Just being on the main stage next to such talented artists was a huge honor.

So once again thank you so much to everyone who makes this contest possible and all the hard work and money that goes towards the appreciation of young artists.

Conner O’Leary
2nd place, Painting
Senior, The Woodlands HS
Conroe ISD

Mrs. Lyn Fitzpatrick,
I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the Culture Shapers Awards ceremony last week.

This is my 4th year teaching at Kerr High School in Alief and this was my second time to attend the awards ceremony. My student used one of her tickets to have me sit next to her and her mother, instead of in a different area, because she was apprehensive about the whole thing. Her category was first and she was so excited about placing 5th in the Sculpture category.

I was so moved by your speech about the Heart in Art recipient. I was trying my hardest not to cry! As I sat there in the dark, trying to remain composed, I could see out of the corner of my eye, my tough-as-nails little student, Briseida. I saw that she was crying! Your words touched us and inspired us. I am a dedicated teacher and definitely didn’t get into teaching expecting any accolades or anything like that. Nonetheless, I am so excited and thankful for this art contest as a way to honor our hard-working art students, art teachers and administrators.

Thank you for all your hard work, and for calling me a hundred times to get Briseida the attention she deserves! I hope to see you again next year!

Thanks again,
Janine Hughes
Kerr High School
Alief ISD

I had the pleasure of attending the Culture Shapers event on Thursday night in the Fine Arts Center at Westfield HS in Spring. It was one of the best high school awards programs I have seen. The event honors the top ten students in various art categories. Our own Glenda Bonilla was a star, earning a 3rd place in sculpture and 6th place in film totaling $1,750 in scholarship prize money. This is really an amazing feat when you consider that there are thousands of entries.

Ken Estrella
KIPP Houston High School

I fear I was too taken by surprise to really thank you all for the honor you gave me Thursday night. To be selected as Teacher of the Year from such a distinguished group of teachers such as those in attendance at the Awards Ceremony is indeed high praise. As I was meeting and chatting with everyone before the event I was struck with awe. Here were most of the people I look to as singular examples of excellence in the Art Education field. Each has directed students to achieve excellence time and time again. When I have someone struggling with a particular media I think of a teacher whose students produce work of quality and direct my student to look at how “X’s” students have handled the media. I do this as much as I direct them to professional artist because this is their peers, kids just like them solving problems. It is interesting that I think of the teachers I know first and professional artist second, and more amazing still is the fact that so many of those teacher were in attendance Thursday night. Trying to speak extemporaneously in front of such a pantheon of art elite made me forget to mention how much I admire them all and look to them for guidance. I wish I had said that! Continue reading ‘From Bob Mosier, 2008 Teacher of the Year’

I just wanted to give a big thank you to everyone from Culture Shapers. Even though I was pretty much a complete nervous wreck the entire time, my experience at the awards ceremony Thursday night was awesome.

I liked that the video clips were placed in between the different categories; they were nice entertaining breaks that distracted me from my nerves. The story about Courtney was beautiful… she really seems like an amazing girl who definitely deserved the Heart in Art award.

It was really cool to see a little paragraph about me on the new blog entry on the ceremony. I didn’t expect the lack of vision in my right eye to be mentioned at all that night, and to see it on the website just made me appreciate the whole experience of this contest even more. It’s not just a win-or-lose competition… I know a lot of work goes into the contest, and it really shows. Winning money is definitely nice, but what made the night amazing was that Culture Shapers encourages and really makes the winning artists feel appreciated.

Thanks for an incredible experience,
Lauren Laumbach
4th Place, Painting
Senior, Kingwood HS
Humble ISD

Hi,
I thought I’d just say what a wonderful time I had at the Culture Shapers award ceremony this year. It means a lot to me that other people enjoyed my drawing and for it to be selected as a winner was a great honor.

Bless Yee, who won the Danny Wood Heart in Art Award last year, is someone who has really inspired me to be a better artist and person. Although she graduated last year, the impression she left on our class is still very alive in the art room.

This year, hearing the story of Courtney Mayo was incredible and the artwork of all the students has got me excited for the future.

Thanks again, and I’ll be sure to keep up with Culture Shapers in the future as you continue to shape the lives of so many young people.

Tyler Hunter
Grand Prize, Drawing
Senior, Friendswood HS
Friendswood ISD

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