Elgin Teen Wins Scholastic Art, Writing Awards

From the City of Elgin: Elgin artist Rebecca Rickert (18) was honored to be awarded two Scholastic Art & Writing Contest Awards for Printmaking at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan on June 8. Author Marc Brown, actor/musician Ansel Elgort, artist Jose Parla, and author R.L. Stine were some of the guest speakers at the Carnegie Hall event that offered words of encouragement to the young award winners.

Rebecca’s work was first judged at the regional contest back in January at Downers Grove North High School where four of her works won awards including one Best in Show. At Carnegie Hall, she received a Gold Award for her massive 50” X 27” print entitled “Fish Tank” and a Silver Award for her “Butterflies” print.

They are both black and white woodcuts. A woodcut is a process in which a block is carved then inked and put through a press (like a giant stamp). The artist can make as many prints as they desire from a single block once it is fully carved.

During high school, Rebecca attended numerous art classes at Elgin Community College. In December, she graduated from homeschool and is now pursuing a graphic arts degree at Providence Baptist College here in Elgin.

Photos courtesy of Dianna Rickert