Choice graduate wins Amy Award for Emerging Artists

Congratulations ChoiceCenter graduate Adam Bentz for being the recipient of the 2017 Amy Award for Emerging Artists. ““I always felt like I wanted to be an artist ever since I was pretty young, and I always really enjoyed working with my hands and being creative,” Bentz told the Bain Bridge review. “I really loved the idea of artwork that had a function, artwork that you could use in everyday life. That really drew me in.”

The Amy Award is presented to a young adult under the age of 35, who is or has been an island resident, has compiled a body of work in the visual or performing arts, and whose work demonstrates a sense of quality, creativity, exploration and dedication. The Amy Award has been presented since 2001 to talented young artists who have continued to work in their chosen field including theater, dance, film, music, printmaking, jewelry making, mosaics, sculpture and photography.

“I grew up in an environment where I was always encouraged to do art and where it was always recognized that art is so important and an amazing part of all of our lives,” he said.

The Amy Award is funded by an endowment established by David and Caren Anderson in memory of their daughter Amy. Amy Anderson was involved in the visual and performing arts and is remembered by many people today as a gifted young woman of great promise. The Amy Award is presented in her honor to provide encouragement and support to other young artists in our community.

“I feel humbled and honored,” he said. “Being recognized in front of my friends and family and other artists, I guess just about the reception, mainly, I just feel a little bit nervous about the whole thing. But I feel great about it. I feel really honored and I feel thankful, especially to Amy’s parents for putting all this together and I really want to thank them in a big way when I see them.”

Arts & Humanities Bainbridge manages the award program, and the honoree is chosen in alternate years by Bainbridge Performing Arts and Bainbridge Arts & Crafts. The Amy Award winner is honored at a ceremony in late May and receives an unrestricted $4,000 cash award.

If you’d like to have Adam design and build you a piece of custom furniture, contact him at adambentz@gmail.com or visit his website at adambentzfurniture.com.

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