The Museum of the Gulf Coast celebrated local Port Arthur artist Robert Rauschenberg's 100th birthday for its 10th annual Art and Photography contest.
The reception occurred Feb. 13 in the Dunn Gallery to a crowd of over 100 participants and attendees. Artists and photographers were invited to enter works inspired by the artistry of Robert Rauschenberg.
Grace Mathis won that competition and was awarded a poster held by the museum that was once donated by Rauschenberg. Other categories were Professional Art (having sold more than 3 pieces), Nonprofessional Art, Photography, Youth Art (grades 6-8), Teen Art (grades 9-12), and Student Photography.
The art categories were judged by Albert Faggard and Amy Tolbert Faggard. The photography competitions were judged by Dennis Moncla.
Honorable Mention: Ricki Lyn Rackenschuh and Samuel Dunn
Honorable Mention: Timmy Schreck, Ella Owens, Elizabeth Carrillo, Luke Douglas, Scarlett Patxot, and
Honorable Mention: Melanie Hilario, Haydee Castillo
3rd Place: Reaching the Oasis, Payton Bryan
2nd Place: Timeless Tulips at the Market, Aaliyah Elizondo
Honorable Mention: Jerry Connally, Shari Stark, Mike Cacioppo
Honorable Mention: Thomas Veillon, Michelle MacMahan, William Ray, Enjoli Bush
The Rauschenberg Award for the best entry inspired by Port Arthur artist Robert Rauschenberg goes to Grace Mathis for her piece entitled Summer. She will receive a Robert Rauschenberg poster.
"We were very pleased to give each nonadult that attended the reception a memento exclusively sent to us by the Rauschenberg Foundation," said Museum Curator Robert Fong. These included items that were originally offered in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The items were handed out after the awards ceremony in the Rauschenberg Gallery on the second floor. All 3 items are still available and are for sale in the Museum's gift shop for a limited time.