State Council on the Arts names Bob Jones student’s art as Blue Ribbon caliber

MADISON – The Alabama State Council on the Arts has selected Brigid White as a Blue Ribbon Finalist in the Visual Arts Achievement Program or VAAP.

Brigid is a sophomore at Bob Jones High School and former student of art teacher Sarah Baker. “Congratulations on winning a Blue Ribbon for the VAAP,” Baker said.

The Visual Arts Achievement Program provides local and state recognition for student achievement. The program is designed to encourage young artists, display their work and offer opportunities for advanced training beyond high school.

On Feb. 23 from noon to 5 p.m., Huntsville Museum of Art will host an exhibition for Youth Art Month, along with recognition for students who have excelled in the visual arts.

Brigid will be featured during an awards ceremony at 2 p.m. in the museum’s Great Hall. The state arts council will feature Blue Ribbon Finalists, including White, in the VAAP for District V.

The art museum will not charge admission on Feb. 23.

Brigid entered the Visual Arts Achievement contest based on her teacher’s recommendation. “When my teacher chose me to put a work into the contest, I particularly wanted my self-portrait to be featured,” Brigid said. For the contest, Brigid submitted a charcoal self-portrait called “My Self-Portrait.” She drew this piece of art while referencing a photo of herself.

Her self-portrait will be included in the exhibition for Youth Art Month at Huntsville Museum of Art. “I’m very proud of this honor, and I never expected to receive such an award for my artwork,” Brigid said.

“I’m so appreciative of my teacher for allowing me the opportunity to participate in such a contest . . . let alone to end up being a finalist,” Brigid said.

Originally, Brigid wanted to pursue the arts when she was very young. “And I have ever since. I always had a lot of creativity and interest in creating new things, which eventually led me to art,” she said.

“I still love creating art. It is one of my favorite things,” Brigid said.

“I believe I was chosen for a finalist in this contest because of how realistic my drawing looks,” Brigid said. “I think it looks very much like me, especially for a difficult medium like charcoal.”

Brigid’s favorite subject in school is science. “I’ve taken chemistry this year, which has broadened my interest. I like discovering how the world works and life on earth.”

A member of Bob Jones Patriot Band, Brigid holds a leadership position in marching band and indoor drumline. At Trinity Baptist Church, she is active in the youth group.

Brigid has maintained an impressive 4.3 GPA and has achieved the A, or A/B, Honor Roll every year. She participates in National Junior Honor Society and was honored as “Percussion Rookie of the Year” in band.

“My mom Kate works at Boeing. My dad Erik became a stay-athome dad when I was born,” Brigid said.

Brigid’s other interests include music, reading, playing video games and traveling.

For more information, visit arts. alabama.gov/programs.