Crystal Lake Central Grad to Have Artwork Featured in AP National Exhibit

Photo caption: Kerry Parrish (left) was Julia Fuhler’s (right) art mentor throughout high school. Photo credit: District 155

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL - A Crystal Lake Central graduate will have her artwork shown at locations across the nation after a piece chosen by the AP College Board was selected to be a part of a national exhibit. Julia Fuhler’s artwork was among 55,000 portfolios received by AP and is among only 30 that will be featured in the 2016-17 AP Studio Art Exhibit.

Each piece was chosen based on the high level of rigor, commitment, and accomplishment, according to a District 155 press release.

“I had the most transformative experience through Central’s art program. Mrs. Parrish and Mr. Shutt, who are some of the most creatively powerful people I know, worked together with their knowledge of the arts and the business world to get us college ready and career ready,” Fuhler said. “I spent as much time as I could in the art room gaining these skills.”

The theme of Fuhler’s portfolio was “Female Ethnicity and Environment.” She named the chosen piece, “The Congo.” It depicts a young African village girl, struggling with contrasting emotions of love and hate towards her new baby, conceived heartbreakingly through rape by an enemy soldier, according to the news release.

This art piece was one of the 24 in her portfolio submitted to the College Board for her AP exam.

The 2016-2017 AP Studio Art Exhibit is currently on display in the Brodsky Gallery in Princeton, New Jersey through the end of September. Those selected will be informed soon on future locations. In July 2017, it will be featured at the 2017 AP Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.

“Kerry Parrish is my art mentor. She pushed me harder than anyone ever has in my work through her critiques and challenging limitations, which was difficult at times but so helpful for my growth,” Fuhler said. “When I was especially frustrated or confused, she would either give me the tools to find the solution on my own, or work alongside me until I reached a conclusion.”

This fall, Fuhler will be abroad studying photography and complete mission work with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) for nine months. She will spend seven months in Norway and two months in a developing country.

Next fall, she plans to attend Savannah College of Art and Design, Ringling College of Art and Design, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, or St. Olaf College; all of which have offered her both art and academic scholarships.