On March 27, 19 Conejo Valley (including four TOHS Photography) students took home prizes from the 2020 Greater Conejo Valley Student Awards Juried Art Show — from home. The winners had been announced not at the usual banquet at Agoura Hilla Recreation and Event Center, but through a slideshow.
The art show banquet, put on by the Cultural Arts Council (CAC) of Agoura Hills and the Westlake Village Art Guild, had been scheduled for March 27. Students submitted works for all or some of the following categories: 2-D fine art, 3-D fine art, photo – color, and photo – monochrome. One work from each category was given first, second, and third place. Multiple works were given honorary mentions. There was also the Mayor’s Award, CAC Excellence in Art Award, two Greg Cole Memorial Awards, five Anette Power Spirit Awards, and Best in Show.
Normally, 50 to 60 of around 250 submissions would have been on display for viewing and judging (with 10 being our very own TOHS Photography students). But since the event was canceled, only the 19 winning works in the slideshow were displayed.
“The only thing I feel bad about and wish they would have included is all the works that were in the show…” TOHS Photography teacher Lisa Ravitch said. “[Because] these students whose works were accepted yet did not place for a prize, their work never was seen…”
Senior Elle Taylor won first place in the monochrome photography section, with juniors Emery Eckman and Elena Buencamino in second and third, respectively. Senior Tallula Auman received an honorary mention in the color photography section.
“[T]he way I found out that I won was actually while I was in the store shopping with my dad. When I [got] the email with the winners, I decided to just go ahead and look through it in the store,” Taylor said. “Then I saw that my photo won first place and I basically freaked out in the aisle.”
The Lancer congratulates every student who entered on their hard work. We also thank Ms. Ravitch for her dedication and encouragement she shows to all of her students. And to Taylor, Eckman, Buencamino, Auman, and the six other talented TOHS Photography students whose works were accepted, a special Lancer round of applause to you.