PVCC’s First Poet Laureate and Visual Arts Luminary
On March 27, PVCC awarded the Poet Laureate and Visual Arts Luminary awards to the top three finalists in both categories. The award ceremony was held in the Bolick Student Center, during Wednesday afternoon. Students, faculty, and family members were invited to witness the winners accept their certificates, acknowledging their extraordinary talent. Laureates read their poems to the audience, and the Visual Art Luminaries provided insightful background of their artwork during the acceptance of their respective awards. The winners of the Poet Laureate were Taylor Goodwin, accepting 1st place, followed by Ruth Reid and Yingxin “Nicole” Lu in 2nd and 3rd place, respectively. The Visual Art Luminaries, awarded 1st through 3rd place, respectively, were Grace Von Elton, Kiana Allen, and Catherine Selfridge.
Each winner provided an insightful look into their pieces during a brief interview regarding the inspiration behind their work. Taylor Goodwin shared their secret to a tranquil writing process: “I tend to go outside. I’ve traveled all over the world – I’ve been to New York, Egypt, Amsterdam, Wales, but I always feel most at home when I’m just sitting in the woods.”
Yingxin “Nicole” Lu shared that her experience moving to the United States influenced her powerful writing. “I have to accept my new role in my life,” she said, “I think, though now I am in the United States, I am still looking for my belonging.” Her work demonstrates the search for one’s identity, and discovering that identity continuously, while unapologetically embracing change.
Catherine Selfridge shared her love for those who matter the most in her life. She said, “It was inspired by my girlfriend, my family – when I feel welcome I want to do the menial tasks for them. I want to peel their pomegranates, fold their laundry, and make them breakfast in the morning!” Selfridge’s bright personality not only exhibits itself through her prominent drawings, but also through the words in which she describes her love and appreciation for the important people in her life.
Support from PVCC faculty could be perceived throughout the ceremony as event moderators, Associate Professor of Art Fenella Belle and Professor of English & Coordinator for the Writing Center Jennifer Koster, demonstrated care and appreciation for the students and community members who participated in the competition, and also for those who came out to support. They thanked Dr. David Doré, chancellor of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) for strategically involving students, staff and faculty from all regions of Virginia.
The following weekend, April 6, PVCC held the “I Belong” Poet Laureate event which took place in the V. Earl Dickinson Building. Distinguished author, artist, and educator Douglas Powell, artistically known as Roscoe Burnems, hosted the event as Master of Ceremonies. As Richmond’s first poet laureate who is also recognized as an international finalist leader for the National Poetry Slam (NPS) representing Virginia Commonwealth University, Powell offered guidance and his spirit of mentorship for the student laureates. Those who attended were also graced with a showcase of paintings, mixed media, photography, printmaking and sculptures on display in the Dickinson galleries.
Winning pieces from laureates and luminaries will be featured in an upcoming publication this summer, thanks to the Virginia Humanities Grant and all of its contributors. Proceeds from the publication will contribute to funding of scholarships.
