Arkansas Tech University student Alanna Koch drew upon her faith to create the first-place entry in the 19th annual ATU Juried Student Competitive Exhibition in Russellville. Koch’s blank ink linocut “Star of the Sea” was selected as the best among 86 works of art submitted by 35 ATU students. Of those, 30 pieces by 25 ATU students were selected for the exhibition.
Koch, a sophomore from Scranton, said the winning entry was inspired by St. Mary.
“Ave maris stella means ‘star of the sea’ in Latin,” she said. “Basically, what that means in Catholic tradition is that Our Lady, Mary, mother of Jesus, is the star of the sea, guiding us to our Lord. The raging waves around her are the raging waves of life, but she remains peaceful and calm to help guide us to God.”
Koch said she has been making art ever since she could grasp a pencil.
“All that I remember is drawing,” she said. “Making Christian artwork is a very recent development for me. I really find a lot of fulfillment with that.”
A graphic design major, Koch said her experiences in the ATU Department of Art have pushed her to expand her artwork into new media.
“It has really helped me creatively by expanding my horizons,” said Koch. “I’ve been able to get out of my comfort zone with that guidance, and that’s helped me so much.”
The competition winners were announced by Kris Waid-Jones, ATU assistant professor of art and gallery director, during a reception at ATU’s Norman Hall Art Gallery Nov. 6.
