“I AM Proud” Award Winners and Video Tour

“The theme ‘I AM: Proud’ addresses a serious challenge of our time—in which confronting great cynicism and anxiety, uncertainty and disappointment requires us all to find ways to preserve, protect, and further the courage, honesty, and integrity that bring us enduring pride,” explains Jane Stahl, Studio B’s Director of Community Relations.“While we are often shy about sharing what we have accomplished for fear of being seen as bragging or of making others feel ‘less than’ somehow, at the same time, we are encouraged not to ‘hide our light.’ Our joy and example are often exactly what others need to motivate them or provide ‘permission’ to feel good about themselves,” Stahl continues.The gallery will host an Opening Reception Friday, June 28 from 5-7pm featuring dozens of local artists in a variety of mediums showcasing work in response to the “I AM: Proud” theme. Boyertown High School senior Sarah Campbell will show a video she created featuring students expressing pride in their activities and accomplishments. In addition, for the 11th season, Studio B will publish the poetry and prose submitted by writers in The Boyertown Area Expression.

Best in Show“Puppy Snooze,” mixed media, Nicole McGonigal

Honorable Mentions

“Porto,” acrylic, Annalie Hudson

“Climb the Highest Mountain,” oil, Pat Bechtel

“Metz Road Fields,” acrylic, Dan Gaumer

“Jump & Jive,” acrylic, Cyndi Arnold

“Dogwood,” watercolor, Sandy Wood

“Lion with Toy Sphinx,” oil, Joe Szimhart

In preparation for the June events, the studio is inviting members of the community to submit articles and photographs to showcase their “pride and joy”—what matters to them.

Photographs should be sent to studiob@boyertownpa.org. (Include “I AM: Proud” in the subject line.) Articles should be sent to janeEstahl@comcast.netPhoto submissions will run on a loop, televised inside the gallery through August 27, 2024. Articles will be published on The Boyertown Area Expression throughout the summer of 2024 and available on-line at boyertownareaexpression.town.news.

Providing “space” of one kind of another for the community to share has been integral to each of the annual Studio B Art Gallery programs the Boyertown Area Charitable Program has funded in its community-building efforts and matches both the studio’s mission of seeking to be a dynamic part of Boyertown community, a “go to” destination for learning, fun and friendship and The Boyertown Area Expression’s mission to share information about the Boyertown area’s people, events, and opportunities.

The “I AM: Proud” project is funded by a grant from the Boyertown Area Charitable Program administered by Berks County Community Foundation (BCCF). BCCF has been an important partner in funding projects facilitated by Studio B Art Gallery throughout its 15-year history.

*Previous anthologies are available on Amazon or Lulu Press. Visit www.studiobbb.org for further details.