Sonoma awards “excellence” of student artist
Rue Gobbée, a self-described “art girl” off to study graphic communications at Cal Poly, has been honored with an Award of Excellence from the Sonoma Cultural and Fine Arts Commission. The Sonoma Valley High grad will be the guest of honor at the Saturday August 6 reception at the Arts Guild of Sonoma, which opens a show of the young artist’s work up through August 14.
The exhibition features her package design, editorial cartoons, digital illustrations and more. The city award includes a $2,000 scholarship for Cal Poly, where she’ll focus on visual design in production and packaging, advertisement.
“I had no idea of the extent of my passion until I began to physically draw on a screen,” she says. “I’m now certain this is what I want to do for the rest of my life: create and design with everything from a pencil to the latest technology. I am thankful for the guidance of my SVHS teacher, Mr. Andy Mitchell, who introduced me to digital art.”
She hopes someday to “help individuals, non-profit organizations, causes, and ethically sound companies speak to the world in visual ways, drawing metaphorically and explaining visually.”
Constance Schlelein of the Sonoma Cultural and Fine Arts Commission said, “We were impressed with Rue Gobbée ’s initiative and drive. When Rue was able, during the pandemic, to work on a tablet, the light bulb just clicked on. She had found her perfect art medium. She explained to CFAC that her work just took off when she had the right tools for her vision. We are pleased to have awarded her the Creative Student Artist Award in hopes that she will use the funds for materials and the furtherance of her artistic abilities, education, and career.”
Of the show, Christine Gonsalves of the Arts Guild of Sonoma said, it “comes at a great time when the Arts Guild has just upgraded its displays, lighting, and interior, continuing our reputation as a significant Sonoma showcase of 2D and 3D works by local artists. This show supports young talent in Sonoma using new mediums and expanding the definition of art today.”
Sonoma Plein Air Foundation board member, Pat Meier-Johnson said, “This show of fresh new digital art demonstrates that arts education in Sonoma Valley schools and organizations can develop lifelong skills that enrich the individual student as well as the communities the student touches. As we have done in the past with the middle and high school exhibits at the Arts Guild of Sonoma, we are pleased to provide funding for this show and enable the public to easily enjoy new student art.”
Constance Schlelein of the Sonoma Cultural and Fine Arts Commission said jurors were impressed with Rue Gobbée ’s initiative and drive. “When Rue was able, during the pandemic, to work on a tablet, the light bulb just clicked on. She had found her perfect art medium. She explained to CFAC that her work just took off when she had the right tools for her vision. We are pleased to have awarded her the Creative Student Artist Award in hopes that she will use the funds for materials and the furtherance of her artistic abilities, education, and career.
Christine Gonsalves of the Arts Guild of Sonoma said, “This show comes at a great time when the Arts Guild has just upgraded its displays, lighting, and interior, continuing our reputation as a significant Sonoma showcase of 2D and 3D works by local artists. This show supports young talent in Sonoma using new mediums and expanding the definition of art today.”
Sonoma Plein Air Foundation board member, Pat Meier-Johnson said, “This show of fresh new digital art demonstrates that arts education in Sonoma Valley schools and organizations can develop lifelong skills that enrich the individual student as well as the communities the student touches. As we have done in the past with the middle and high school exhibits at the Arts Guild of Sonoma, we are pleased to provide funding for this show and enable the public to easily enjoy new student art.”
In addition to Ms. Gobbée’s work, the 2D and 3D art of 25 Arts Guild of Sonoma members is on display.
The City of Sonoma Cultural and Fine Arts Commission Student Creative Arts Award Program began in 1988 as the Honorarium Program and is open to high school Juniors and Seniors, who reside within the Sonoma Valley Unified School District, and who have a strong interest in visual, literary, or performing arts. Applicants submitted a 200 to 500-word statement explaining the role that art has played in their life and what their plans are for continuing their artistic training, and examples of their work
The August 6 reception is free an5 pm to 7pm at Arts Guild of Sonoma, 140 East Napa Street.
