Miami University

Young Painters' Competition winner earns $10,000

04/14/2000

Adriana Burgos of Savannah, Ga., was named winner of the first Miami University Young Painters’ Competition for the $10,000 William and Dorothy Yeck Award. Burgos received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Costa Rica in 1993 and a master’s degree in fine arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 1999.

Her winning painting is titled "David’s Violin." At a reception announcing the winner, Toni LaBoiteaux, gallery owner in Cincinnati, described the painting as "mystical and beautifully executed. Its choice for the award was a unanimous decision."

Paintings by 10 finalists, selected by a three-member jury from more than 130 entries, were included in the competition exhibition.

Second place and a $1,500 award went to Lyall Harris of San Francisco, Calif. Third place and $1,000 went to J. Carlos Ferguson of Williamsburg, Va. Ferguson’s untitled painting of a café scene also received the "Student’s Choice" award of $500.

Dayton businessman William Yeck and his wife Dorothy established the competition and $10,000 award. Yeck is a 1936 Miami University graduate and longtime art patron.

Dates for next year’s competition exhibition, open to American painters under 32 years of age, are Jan. 9-Feb. 2. For more information, call (513) 529-1883.