"Nature is what we know
Yet have not art to say
So impotent our vision is
to her simplicity."
- Emily Dickinson

Friday, December 3, 2010

About the Other Night

Tuesday, November 30, 2010. Not really a day that most would remember as life altering but to one young woman, it certainly was. It was my honor to announce the winner of the $50,000 Hudgens Prize -- Gyun Hur. Gyun was selected by the jury panel from the finalist show at the Hudgens Center for the Arts in Duluth, Georgia.

The competition had drawn 369 entries from every corner of the state and five finalists were chosen by the jury to compete for the big award. My congratulations to Gyun and the other finalists: Ruth Dusseault, Hope Hilton, Scott Ingram and Jiha Moon.

I always find it revealing to meet an artist after I have become familiar with their work. I can't help but be influenced by knowing the person who created the art. In the case of Miss Hur, I was delighted to get to know her and to hear her speak upon receiving the $50,000. Not once in her remarks did she refer to herself -- she spoke gratefully and with reference to family and community. I see her work with new eyes.