Two Rockwall students honored in Young Marine Artists Search

(ROCKWALL, TX – Nov. 20, 2015) Two Rockwall High School art students were recently honored by the American Society of Marine Artists and the Rockwall Art League for their submissions to the 2015 Young Marine Artists Search.

The YMAS is an annual national competition organized by the ASMA to encourage artists aged 16 to 23 to explore marine subjects in their work. The RAL began cooperating with the ASMA to promote the competition in the North Texas region in 2014.

In the 2015 North Texas regional YMAS competition, RHS junior Maria Oliva won first prize and $500 for her ceramic sculpture, “Vandentoorn II,” while RHS senior Kristina Stovall won second prize and $300 for her ceramic sculpture “Tentacles”.

In the national YMAS competition, Oliva’s artwork went on to receive Best of Show-3D and an additional $500 cash prize, while Stovall’s piece received Honorable Mention.

One hundred forty four students entered the 2015 YMAS, which was judged by ASMA Fellows Kim Shaklee and Michael B. Karas. Oliva and Stovall study sculpture under the guidance of RHS art instructor Anne Foster.

Oliva spoke excitedly about attending the ASMA’s Annual Meeting in Plymouth, MA with her mother to receive her national award. “It was so pretty there, and we had a lot of fun,” she said.

They were well received by the ASMA members and enjoyed some time in Salem as well. When asked about her work, Oliva explained she “likes to work on detailed, intricate pieces,” and that “Vandentoorn II” was already in progress when she decided to enter the YMAS. The artwork was inspired by sea grass and coral. Oliva describes her parents as being very supportive of her passion for art, and lovers of art themselves. Upon graduating RHS, Oliva intends to continue her art studies at Texas A&M Commerce, having recently won the Gold Tuition Art Scholarship there based on the strength of her portfolio.