Fishers & HSE artists win $4K at STAR Bank Senior Showcase

Fishers Arts Council (FAC) has announced the winners of the 15^th annual Fishers Arts Council Senior Showcase sponsored by STAR Bank.

Senior Showcase is an annual exhibit where seniors of both Fishers and Hamilton Southeastern high schools exhibit their artwork and poetry while competing for scholarships.

“The 15th annual Senior Showcase once again highlighted the impressive artistic talents coming out of the Fishers and HSE School programs,” FAC President Ross Hilleary said. “This year $4,000 in scholarships were given to 23 seniors, ranging from $50 to $600 per award, thanks to the generosity of local businesses and art patrons across the city. Fishers Arts Council is proud of this event and looks forward to Senior Showcase returning to the new Fishers Art & Municipal Complex in 2025.”

The awards were presented Friday evening, April 12 at FAC’s Hub Gallery at the Hamilton County Community Foundation during the Second Friday reception. Hilleary, along with Fishers City Council President Cecilia Coble and STAR Bank Senior Retail Sales Officer Amanda Rubeck, presented the awards. Catherine Snider also presented a special award, “Best Representation of the Written Word,” in memory of her daughter, Jordan D. Snider.

Best in Show artwork (painting) “Oasis” by HSE senior Hannah Gao. (Art provided)

The award for Best in Show went to Hannah Gao (HSE High School) for her painting titled “Oasis.” The evening’s other big winner was Judian Hunsader (Fishers High School) for his collection of song lyrics titled, “Jude’s Lyrics.” He won the Jordan D. Snider award for Best Representation of the Written Word. Hunsader gave a reading of his song, “Chrysalis,” during the ceremony.

A total of 83 students participated in the exhibit offering 173 pieces of art along with nine poetry-based submissions.

The artwork will remain on exhibit through April 26 at the FAC Hub Gallery at the Hamilton County Community Foundation, 11810 Technology Drive, Fishers, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Thursday. The gallery can be viewed on Fridays by making an appointment with FAC.

“This year’s exhibit is the largest Senior Showcase by far, and we must give special thanks to STAR Bank for providing additional funds that allowed us to add a Digital Art award category this year,” FAC Executive Director Les Reinhardt said. “Their support has been incredible, since 2021, in allowing us to provide more opportunities for students to be recognized for their talents. We hope every single student who participated in the exhibit understands how phenomenal their skills are and to keep on expressing themselves creatively.”

Best in Show Winner Hannah Gao (center) with Amanda Rubeck of STAR Bank (left) and Fishers City Council President Cecilia Coble (right). (Photo provided)

Jordan D. Snider Award Winner, Judian Hunsader of Fishers High School, with Catherine Snider, steward of the Jordan D. Snider award. (Photo provided)

Several new sponsors joined this year to fund the scholarships including Fishers Dental Care, Boomerang Development, The Goddard School (Brooks School Road), as well as local art supporters, Laura & Ed Villanyi. Returning for their third year as scholarship sponsors are Catherine Snider, Four Day Ray, and Schoolhouse 7 Café.

Sponsors for the 2024 scholarships were as follows:

• STAR Bank: Best in Show, 1st Place awards in each category, 2^nd Place Photography
• Catherine Snider: Jordan D. Snider Awards
• Four Day Ray Brewing: 3rd Place awards in each category
• Boomerang Development: 2nd Place Drawing
• Schoolhouse 7 Cafe: 2nd Place Painting
• The Goddard School (Brooks School Road): 2nd Place Digital Art
• Fishers Dental Care: 2nd Place 3D Art
• Laura & Ed Villanyi: Honorable Mention awards in each visual arts category

A complete list of winners follows:

• Best in Show: Hannah Gao (HSE)
• Jordan D. Snider Award for Best Representation of the Written Word: Judian Hunsader (FHS)
• Jordan D. Snider Honorable Mention: Hannah Gao (HSE)

Drawing

• 1^st Place: Evie Bissonette (HSE)
• 2^nd Place: Damian Ryan (FHS)
• 3^rd Place: Daniel Serrano (HSE)
• Honorable Mention (HM): Grace Floyd (FHS)

Painting

• 1^st Place: Heather Stutz (HSE)
• 2^nd Place: Cruz Jafri (HSE)
• 3^rd Place: Clara Hagedorn (FHS)
• HM: Vaughn Ehrgott (HSE)
• HM: Avery Stein (FHS)

Photography

• 1^st Place: Kendall Matusiewicz (FHS)
• 2^nd Place: Ameera Tai (FHS)
• 3^rd Place: Dieter Hamm (FHS)
• HM: Maddie Beaulieu (FHS)

Digital Art

• 1^st Place: Samuel Anderson (FHS)
• 2^nd Place: Brooklynn Ferrell (FHS)
• 3^rd Place: Mia Noel (FHS)
• HM: Morgan Wright (FHS)

3D Art

• 1^st Place: Mia Igneri (HSE)
• 2^nd Place: Faith Perry (FHS)
• 3^rd Place: Olivia Weyer (FHS)
• HM: Hannah Young (HSE)