Senior Wins First Place in Carnegie Library Teen Media Awards
![Carnegie Library Teen Media Awards: Ava Wynne - 1st Place & Honorable Mention]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762877499/uscsdk12paus/rjfamajklnotwys4x0gh/AvaWynneArt.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762877499/uscsdk12paus/rjfamajklnotwys4x0gh/AvaWynneArt.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762877499/uscsdk12paus/rjfamajklnotwys4x0gh/AvaWynneArt.png","width":800}])
Upper St. Clair High School senior Ava Wynne earned first place in the 2D Art & Design category of the Carnegie Library Teen Media Awards for her piece titled “Wistful Affection.”
The work, she explained, is a personal reflection on her early high school years.
“This piece was inspired by a certain type of sad nostalgia that many students may feel as the end of the school year approaches,” Ava said. “Through the use of muted greens and blues, I strived to foster a sense of serenity. Similarly, I embroidered colored string to mimic the effect of ripples in water to emphasize a gentle yearning for childhood whimsy. ‘Wistful Affection’ was a result of my own reflection upon my former years of high school, which I had previously taken for granted.”
In addition to her first-place recognition, Ava received an Honorable Mention for her mixed-media work titled, “The Blue Identity.”
“In this multimedia piece, I combined a watercolor subject with a blue mask made of synthetic polyester and tulle that was stretched and pinned before adding layers of Mod Podge to solidify,” she said. “The idea behind the subject reflects the complexity of shifting identity in teenage years. The tension wrinkles highlight the difficulty of change and the formation of identity in adolescence. Furthermore, the color blue seen in the painting is symbolic of serenity, hinting that it is necessary to remove familiar restraints to grow as a person. This piece is emblematic of the scary simplicity of tearing away an identity that does not pertain to you anymore.”
Ava has been an active member of the USCHS Art Club since ninth grade and has served as its president for the past two years. She is enrolled in Advanced Placement Art and has taken numerous art classes throughout high school. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom – she has hosted both an art show and an art workshop, donating all proceeds to the Pittsburgh Women’s Shelter.
In addition to her accomplishments in the visual arts, Ava excels musically. A flutist, Ava currently serves as the senior drum major of the USCHS Marching Band and is a member of Tri-M Music Honor Society. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and Natural Helpers.
Last spring, Ava was honored with an Art & Design Book Award from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Following graduation in June, she plans to pursue a degree in industrial design.
The Carnegie Library Teen Media Awards recognize student work in seven categories – 2D Art & Design, 3D Art & Design, Short Film, Fashion, Music, Photography and Short Comic.