March 14, 2011

New painting award to recognize graduating senior

A new award in the arts has been established at Johns Hopkins. The first Virginia Bagwell Prize will be presented during the Homewood Art Workshops’ Studio Show reception on May 13.

Created by Professor P.M. Forni, of German and Romance Languages and Literatures, and his wife, Virginia Drake Forni, in memory of Virginia Bagwell, a connoisseur, collector and supporter of the arts in Dallas, the Bagwell Prize will recognize the achievement of a graduating senior who has studied painting in the Homewood Art Workshops. Bagwell (1917–2008) was the aunt and namesake of Virginia Forni.

Qualified students may submit work in oil or watercolor for consideration. The paintings must belong to the tradition of realism and naturalism flowing from the late Western Middle Ages through the European Renaissance to the present day. Only original pieces will be considered; copies of master works are excluded from the competition.

Works will be judged by a three-person jury comprising the director of the Homewood Art Workshops, ex officio; a member chosen by him or her; and a representative of Bagwell’s family. The jury will have the option of not awarding the prize should the works fail to meet the requirements or the quality of the works be deemed insufficient.

The 2011 prize is $2,000.