Art Student Honored by AICUO

by Ryan Bower, Assistant Director of Public Relations – April 28, 2016

Claire Harvey was recognized by the AICUO for her excellence in studio art.

Claire Harvey, a senior studio art major from Cedarville University, has been recognized by the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio (AICUO) for her work in visual arts.

Harvey, from Perry, New York, was one of seven students who were celebrated as winners of the ninth annual Awards for Excellence in Visual Arts competition. The winners were recognized at a reception and art exhibit at Otterbein University on April 26 in Columbus, Ohio.

In addition, Harvey also won the People’s Choice Award for her artwork, which consisted of paintings of key moments of her life. Harvey grew up in the Republic of Congo and much of her art reflects her time there.

“It can be hard to put into words what it is like to live in a place like Congo,” said Harvey. “But my art has allowed me to capture moments that I remember and share them with other people. I can’t take people directly to Congo, but I can use my art to show them a little bit of what life is like there.” 

Each of the winners will have their work featured as part of a walking exhibition during Gallery Hop in the Short North Arts District of Columbus on Saturday, May 7. Now in its 31st year, Gallery Hop takes place the first Saturday of each month and features art, street performers and other special events.

“The memories and the places I’ve lived – they helped make me who I am today,” said Harvey. “If I don’t share those experiences with others, then why did God put them in my life?”

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,711 undergraduate, graduate and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu