Alumni Artists Win National Acclaim

One of the art world’s premiere magazines, Southwest Art publishes a special issue annually that features 21 up-and-coming artists under 31 years of age. Winners of this year’s “21 Under 31” competition include three PCC Commercial Art grads (now Studio Art), who join the ranks of two alumni artists featured in last year’s issue. Among this year’s 21 winning artists were Taaron Parsons (’04, MA ’05, TN), Chris Phillips (’08, MFA ’11; VA), and Eric Suchowesky (’08, MFA ’11; FL).

Taaron Parsons received a call from the editor of Southwest Art who told him that his painting, The Cellist, would be featured in the magazine. “I was quite honored and grateful,” he said. “Time will tell what kind of fruits this feature will eventually yield, but I trust it will be a kick-start to further contacts, gallery relationships, and future sales.” Asked if PCC’s art training was part of his success, Taaron said, “Absolutely. The classical, foundational approach makes the program so much more valuable to an artist-in-training than most other art training programs.”

Chris Phillips entered his painting Porchlight, which he completed while in PCC’s Master of Fine Arts program (MFA). Though he never anticipated the eventual success, Chris entered the painting because he knew winning a significant art competition could lead to national recognition and gallery opportunities.

“This honor means a great deal to me,” he said. “I am pleased that this painting can mean something to others. Currently, I am in contact with several galleries and have been invited to participate in several shows along the East Coast. I consider PCC a crucial factor in my artistic training.”

Eric Suchowesky also entered a painting he completed in the MFA program. For January Thaw, Eric focused on capturing the beauty of his Michigan home in winter.

“The piece I entered was snatched up by some collectors within a few weeks of the magazine release,” he said. "I’ve received many messages congratulating me, and interest in my work has been rising.

“I learned almost all I know about art from my training at PCC,” Eric said. “The part of PCC’s art training I consider key in my development is the traditional Christian education methods. I received the foundations and principles of art that helped shape me into the artist I am today.”

Commercial art students at PCC study traditional drawing, painting, and illustration methods to effectively communicate using their God-given creativity in art. PCC’s experienced art faculty emphasize commitment to excellence and Christian principles combined with constant practice to prepare graduates for a variety of art fields.

See Commercial Art major for more information.

Published: 9/22/2011