It is common knowledge that, when you win the Trawick Prize, the contemporary art award sponsored by philanthropist Carol Trawick and The Bethesda Urban Partnership, you will be handed a check for $10,000. No waiting for it to come in the mail, either. They hand it to you in person, under the hot spotlights, the night of the exhibit and awards, and then you must make a shocked and stuttering speech. What most people DON’T know is that each first, second, and third prize winner receives a handmade trophy (pictured above) that easily weighs five pounds. Or more. Like the prize, the trophy is dense and substantial. It will change your life. Or at least your biceps if you choose to carry it around.
After reaching its “Sapphire” anniversary, the Trawick Prize is marking the momentous occasion by bringing back all ten past winners and hosting a “best of the best” championship art competition. If you have read the second ‘Hunger Games’ novel, you know what I’m talking about. Except for the mortal combat part. Actually, this seems like a better deal for participants. Each of the ten winners are included in a crowded exhibition at Gallery B and all thirty former jurors will vote to chose one Mega-Winner to receive a second check for 10 large and, presumably, another giant trophy. Additionally, one of the ten will be awarded a $1000 check for the “People’s Choice” award, which was compiled through online voting.
The Exhibit of the 10 Best in Show is on display in a group exhibition from November 3 – December 1, 2012 at Gallery B, located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E.
The award winners will be announced Friday, November 2, 2012. With Baltimore artists Richard Cleaver, David Page, Jim Rieck (formerly), Jo Smail, Rene Trevino, and Lillian Bayley Hoover all in the running, it seems Baltimore has the odds in its favor over a DC or Virginia winner. Tune in later to find out the results! – Cara Ober
Catronia Fraser, 2005 Trawick Winner Jiha Moon, and Carol Trawick
(with giant trophy in the foreground!)
Past Trawick Prize Winners 2003: Richard Cleaver 2004: David Page 2005: Jiha Moon 2006: James Rieck 2007: Jo Smail 2008: Maggie Michael 2009: Rene Trevino 2011: Mia Feuer 2012: Lillian Bayley Hoover
