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| Laura Watmough with Winning student artworks Photo by APRIL BARTLETT/St. Albert Gazette |
From the St. Albert Gazette, March 31, 2012
Late last month the owner and art instructor of Hidden Talent Fine Art School, along with several of her students, entered the painting contest put on at the annual orchid show in Edmonton. For the first time ever, a Hidden Talent student brought home the grand prize.
Yoon-Joo Kim’s painting is still on display in the school’s studio space, its place of honour held among the other first and second place finishers.
“We’re really pleased,” Watmough said, adding that Kim was “absolutely thrilled” as well.
Apart from the big blue ribbon, Kim was also presented with the prestigious Vivian Thierfelder trophy for her win.
Kim actually had two first place finishes. The judges have strict standards for quality and choose only one grand prize winner from several first place paintings, Watmough said.
Hidden Talent’s Bernadette Neuman also had two first place finishes, despite the fact that it was her first show. Candy Schultz had one first and one second-place finish. The judges had Schultz right in behind Kim for the grand prize, Watmough said.
Joan Rover achieved a second place ribbon for her work, which, according to Watmough, was only the second painting she had ever produced.
The teacher was very proud of her students.
“To see this much variety and to have them acknowledged is wonderful,” she said.
Article by Scott Hayes
