Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Announces Winners of Statewide Contest for Artists with Disabilities

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW) honored the winners of a new statewide art contest, "Art: The Universal Language," during a celebration today in the Capitol Rotunda.

The art contest was a partnership between The Arc of Pennsylvania, the commonwealth and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

"The artwork that was submitted shows the incredible talent of Pennsylvanians with disabilities," First Lady and Chair of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Susan Corbett said. "I'm so pleased that we can showcase their remarkable work and demonstrate that art truly is the universal language."

The statewide contest was open to artists of all ages, artistic media and disabilities. Artists submitted more than 350 textiles, watercolors, oils, sculptures, jewelry, acrylics, pen and pencil drawings, photographs and mixed media pieces.

"We knew Pennsylvania artists with disabilities were talented, and we wanted to create a contest to honor their creativity and works of art," DPW Secretary Bev Mackereth said.

"I hope this will inspire all artists to pursue their talents," said Maureen Cronin, executive director of The Arc of Pennsylvania. "These beautiful pieces remind us to focus on people's strengths and capabilities."

"A Winter's Tail," by Susan Crowley of Jim Thorpe, was named Best in Show.

Winning entries will be displayed in the rotunda during the ceremony and online at www.dpw.state.pa.us.

Media contact: Kait Gillis, 717-425-7606

Editor's note:

The winners in each category are:
Acrylic
12 and Under: Todd Harvey of Erie
13 to 17: Amber Myers of Thompsontown
18 and Older: Cindy Burget of Altoona

Jewelry
18 and Older: Amy E. Shannon of Pittsburgh

Mixed Media/Other
12 and Under: Nicholas Bertz of Morgantown
13 to 17: Christina Bias of Harrisburg
18 and Older: Luke Hullihen of Blandburg

Pen/Pencil
12 and Under: Kyba Mclane of York Haven
13 to 17: Daijah Massie of Pittsburgh
18 and Older: Susan Crowley of Jim Thorpe

Photography
12 and Under: Aiden Horner of Pittsburgh
13 to 17: Nick Redican of Lafayette Hill
18 and Older: Darcie Moloshok of Ambler

Sculpture
12 and Under: Adahlis Trujano of Harrisburg
13 to 17: Jacob Bogle of Monaca
18 and Older: Jane S. Curtis-Ragland of Reading

Textile
13 to 17: Jenna Buchko of Lancaster
18 and Older: Lydia Wayman of Allison Park

Watercolor
12 and Under: Jack Hahne of Pittsburgh
13 to 17: Ean Sportelli-Wright of Allentown
18 and Older: Kristina R. Martin of Lancaster

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare

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