This year’s recipients of The Arlene Schnitzer Visual Arts Prize are Lauren Moran, a MFA candidate in Art and Social Practice (first place – $5,500), Alex Deets, an Undergraduate Art Practice candidate (second place – $4,000), and a 3rd year Art Practice BFA student, Zach Whitworth (third place – $3,000). The Arlene Schnitzer Visual Arts Prize is meant to recognize excellence in visual art created by all students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees from the School of Art + Design at Portland State University.

The jury would like to acknowledge the excellent work and achievements of two additional prize applicants by awarding Jury Commendations to undergraduate BFA Art Practice students Melissa McGhie and Kayla Willey.

2018 marks the sixgh year of the Arlene Schnitzer Visual Arts Prize. The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation first started the Arlene Schnitzer Visual Arts Prize in 2013 with a gift to recognize the achievements of Portland State University’s School of Art + Design’s students, while also raising awareness for Portland State University’s quality art education.

For students to be eligible, they must be majoring in a PSU School of Art + Design program. The jury consisted of:

• Alison Heryer, Assistant Professor of Art Practice at PSU
• Kate Bingaman-Burt, Associate Professor of Graphic Design at PSU
• Lisa Jarrett, Assistant Professor of Art Practice at PSU
• Jordan Hoagbin, Brand Designer at NIKE and 2013 Arlene Schnitzer Visual Arts Prize recipient
• Kelsey Snook, Creative Director at Second Story Interactive Studios
• Sarah Meigs, Founder of the Lumber Room

There will be an exhibition in the fall showcasing their work.