Three students and schools have had their art work selected for the ORNL Federal Credit Union’s Community Art and Mural Program.
Introduced in 2017, the Community Art and Mural Program was created to support initiatives that make the arts accessible to all and help our communities thrive. The 2024 mural theme was “new beginnings,” a press release said.
“Congratulations to the following students and schools,” the press release said:
- Elementary School Category (K-4) – Kathleen Hernandez, grade 2, Woodland Elementary School (Mary Chin, arts educator)
- Middle School Category (5-8) – Heidi Mohamed, grade 7, Jefferson Middle School (Jim Dodson, arts educator)
- High School Category (9-12) – Haley Campbell, grade 9, Oak Ridge High School (Gisela Schrock, arts educator)
The Community Art and Mural Program is an open competition for Oak Ridge school students, and entries were submitted in all categories (K-4th grades, 5th-8th grades, and 9th-12th grades), a press release said. One winner was selected from each category, and each will have their design painted on a large-scale structure situated on the campus of ORNL Federal Credit Union’s headquarters in Oak Ridge. A $100 cash prize for the winning student (or team) and a $500 cash prize for their school’s art programs will also be awarded.
The competition judges were Emily Curran, Dogwood Arts program manager-visual arts; Shannon Herron, Dogwood Arts marketing and creative director; Jessica Emert, ORNL Federal Credit Union AVP of corporate relations; and Courtney Oldendorf, ORNL Federal Credit Union social media and employee event director.
The designs will be painted in the spring of 2024 by local artist Bryan Wilkerson who will choose placement based on orientation and scalability, the press release said. Wall sizes are a 36’ x 15’ area facing South Rutgers Avenue, 36’ x 15’ area facing North Purdue Avenue, and a 19’ x 15’ area facing ORNL Federal Credit Union headquarters.
About Bryan Wilkerson
Bryan Wilkerson, a Tennessee native and professor of art and design at Roane State Community College, is a versatile artist whose work encompasses ceramics, murals, public art, and digital design, the press release said.
“His creations are marked by a playful exploration of humor, craft, irony, and common symbolic references,” the press release said.
Wilkerson is also “known for his captivating murals that grace communities with vibrant and thought-provoking imagery. Through his art, he shares the joy of discovery and encourages everyone to embrace the transformative power of creative expression,” the press release said.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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