'On Our Own Time' sees a jump in artists – check out this year's winners

By Andy Ober, University Communications
Monday
Black and white photograph of a herd of Texas longhorn cattle in a grassy field, with one prominent longhorn in the foreground staring directly at the camera under a cloudy sky.

"Staring Longhorns" was submitted in the amateur category by Shailender Chauhan, assistant scientific investigator in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. This year's exhibit attracted work from 120 artists.

An illustration of an owl perched on a tree branch took top honors in the 15th annual "On Our Own Time" art exhibition and competition. "The Guardian" by Jennie Norris, graphic designer in Facilities Management, won the best of show award.

A detailed illustration of a barn owl perched on a tree branch, surrounded by green leaves. The owl has intricate feather detailing in shades of brown, cream, and white, with dark eyes gazing forward. A gold halo-like circle is painted behind the owl's head, giving it a sacred or iconographic appearance. The artwork has an arched top and is set against a wooden surface.

"The Guardian" by Jennie Norris, graphic designer in Facilities Management, won best of show honors.

This year's exhibition, which can be viewed online, brought in submissions from 120 artists, which Pamela Wagner, exhibit coordinator and operations coordinator for the Department of Family and Community Medicine in the College of Medicine – Tucson, said is a significant jump over last year.

"I'm so excited to see this year's participation increased by almost a third," Wagner said. "Due to the hybrid nature of the show, we had entries from as far away as Oregon, Florida and Washington. I truly hope that we can find a way to keep this exhibit going next year and beyond – the talent is simply amazing!"

The exhibit is on display in the lobby of Bioscience Research Laboratories, 1230 N. Cherry Ave., through Saturday.

"On Our Own Time" is funded entirely through the National Arts Program, an organization that partners with workplaces throughout the United States to recognize the artistic expression of employees, retirees and their family members. The program is coordinated by the University's Employee Recognition Committee.

This year's exhibit will conclude Saturday with the Artist's Reception from 10 a.m.-noon at the Bioscience Research Laboratories lobby. Those who attend can vote for two People's Choice Awards – one for adults and one for teens and youth.

A black-and-white photo of someone holding a patient's hand, with an American flag quilt on the bed

"Can I please have one more minute" by Hannah Hildreth, Program Manager of Communication and Outreach, Department of Student Success and Retention Innovation

This year's winners are below. See all of this year's entries on the university's "On Our Own Time" website.

Best of Show – "The Guardian" by Jennie Norris, Graphic Designer, Facilities Management

Art Education Award (given to an artist in the teen or youth category, includes a $200 prize to be used for an arts class or materials) – "Dust Covering the World" by Crystal Jia, family of Linlin Cao, Financial Analyst, College of Nursing

Professional

  • First place – "Saguaro (Gold)" by Aiden Avery, Executive Assistant, Center for Creative Photography
  • Second place – "Peek-A-Boo" by Ruthie Marchand, Administrative Support Assistant, School of Natural Resources and the Environment
  • Third place – "Deep Space" by Harrie Handler, family of Jordan Handler, Retail Manager, Campus Store

Intermediate

  • Painting of two silhouetted figures standing under a red umbrella in the rain, surrounded by tall blue trees and illuminated by a glowing vintage street lamp

    "Romance in the Rain" by Tacha Lyons, Registration and Records Professional, College of Medicine – Phoenix

    First place – "Dad's Little Slice of Heaven" by Phoebe Meixner, Program Coordinator, Arizona Institute for Resilience

  • Second place – "Polyandry" by Sergio Castrezana, Research Technician, Department of Entomology
  • Third place – "Saguaro Style" by Viola Romero, Civil Rights Investigator, Office of Institutional Equity

Amateur

  • First place – "Primary Care is Community" by Radu Moga, Resident/Fellow, Department of Family and Community Medicine
  • Second place – "Cloudy Sunset Wyvern" by Ricky Sontz, Research Specialist, College of Medicine – Tucson
  • Third place – "Sitz" by Meredythe Durckel, Researcher/Scientist, Department of Immunobiology

Teen

  • First place – "Thoughtful Self Portrait" by Sophia Zhang, family member of Nelly Zapata, Principal Business Analyst, University of Arizona Information Technology
  • Second Place – "Dissonance" by Amaya Lopez, family of Rebecca Lopez, Assistant Professor of Practice, Department of Teaching, Learning and Sociocultural Studies
  • Third Place – "Metal Finch" by Tahe Liu, family of Rong Bai, Assistant Clinical Professor, College of Medicine – Phoenix

Youth

  • "Blue Vase with Flowers" by Aaron Li, family of Ming Li, Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • "Self Portrait" by Katherine Wang, family of Steven Wang, Chair and Professor, Department of Otolaryngology
  • "NYC Skyline" by Jaden Li, family of Ming Li, Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

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