Winners Announced For Artistic Visions Challenge In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Fairfield Arts Commission announced the first-place and runner-up winners of its second annual Artistic Visions Challenge during an artists reception held April 7 at the Main Branch of the Fairfield Public Library.

The townwide juried competition is open to residents, workers and students in Fairfield ages 10 and older. Entries are divided into youth (ages 10–19) and adult (20 and older) categories, with participants permitted to work individually or in teams of up to three. Cash prizes are awarded in each category.

This year’s theme, introduced at a Dec. 4 kickoff event, asked artists to create work reflecting on the nation’s 250th anniversary. Participants were required to connect elements of America’s past and present, incorporate collaboration across age groups, and include references to “America’s 250th” as well as at least one hidden nod to Fairfield.

The commission received 30 submissions, nearly twice the number from the previous year.

The award winners, listed by category, are:

Youth First Prize
"A Garden of Journeys"
Ciara Bledsoe & Yasmin Sanchez

Youth Runner Up
"America Revealed"
Tripp Bagley

Adult First Prize
"Eye of Providence"
Nicole Koester

Adult Runner Up
"Community Threads"
Emily Duell

Click here to view photos of the awards reception and the winning entries.

"We are absolutely thrilled with the response from the Fairfield arts community," said Commissioner Sam Goldstein of the Fairfield Arts Commission, who along with Fairfield Public Schools District Art Department Coordinator Michele Hermsen, oversaw the Challenge. "The Artistic Visions Challenge was envisioned as a way to not only build a connection between our youth and the art community, but also to stimulate, foster, and encourage critical thinking and originality in all participants."

Artists submitted digital representations of their work along with written statements describing their concepts and process.

The commission said the winning entries reflected the competition’s goals of interpreting the nation’s 250th anniversary theme.

Organizers thanked participating artists, mentors and judges for their contributions. The commission also acknowledged financial support from the Fairfield University Center for Arts & Minds and ongoing support from the Connecticut Department of Community and Economic Development’s Office of the Arts.

Additional partners included the Fairfield Theatre Company, the Fairfield Museum and History Center, and the Fairfield Public Library. Event photography and videography were provided by Capitol Photo Interactive and A2V Media.

More information is available on the Fairfield Arts Commission website.