Water art invitational 2005

The Service Authority received a tremendous response to the call for art this year. More than a hundred paintings and photographs were submitted representing 15 teachers at seven county high schools. The judges (one panel each, for paintings and photographs) labored to make their choices between so many excellent projects.

The Invitational is a competition for grades 9 – 12.

The theme for 2005 was “Reflections of Drinking Water.” The word reflections carries a double meaning. Light reflects from water’s surface and each artist must reflect about the meaning and beauty of water on a personal level.

Awards were handed out at the Service Authority’s main office, with students, families, friends and teachers present to see the outcome. First, second and third-place winners received $1,000, $750 and $500, respectively.

Teachers of winners are also winners! Teachers of first, second or third-place winners may receive $500, $350 or $200, respectively.

The 2005 winners, their schools and teachers, are as follows.

Painting Category – first, second and third-place winners:

First Place Taylor Mulder; Osbourn Park High School; Mrs. McFarland's class. Taylor's painting portrays the water molecule - two hydrogens and one oxygen - in abstract figures enclosed in a molecular sphere.

Second Place Steven Stiles Forest Park High School Mrs. Laine’s class Steven’s painting is a reminder of one of our most common images of water, at the sink in a hand which represents the human need of this precious resource.

Third Place Robert Michaels Forest Park High School, Mrs. Farrow’s class Robert’s painting depicts a surreal space of water globes, each one containing a peek at someone putting water to a particular use.

Photography Category – first (tie) and third-place winners:

First Place (tie) Emily Pattino Forest Park High School, Mrs. Solliday’s class Fire hydrants are ubiquitous; solid symbols of a modern water system.

First Place (tie) Arik King Potomac High School; Mr. Quimby’s class Thumb on hose; Arik drew on memories of the outdoor water use. A Second Place award was not given.

Third Place Celeste Culp Potomac Senior High School, Mr. Quimby’s class Celeste gives the viewer a rarely-seen look at the shower.

Student’s Choice Awards – voted favorites by their peers.

Katie Johnson (left) and Marangelie Caballero (right). Both Katie and Marangelie rendered fanciful scenes of water and bathtubs.

For more information, contact Keenan Howell at 703-335-8937 or at khowell@pwcsa.org.