On the second floor of Studio Inferno in New Orleans, Meredith Graf worked with glass artist James Vella on a trophy commission.
Meredith Graf, a high school student at Louise S. McGehee School in New Orleans, was commissioned to create an award that will be given to the winner of the grand prize in the 2010 National Endangered Species Day Art Contest.
Although she is only in the 9th grade, Graf is no stranger to special recognition as an artist. Her illustrations have been displayed at the Old U.S. Mint in New Orleans, the executive offices of the New Orleans Arena, and even on the Boston Celtics Website. Graf has also won several local arts awards.
Now, working alongside New Orleans-based artist and glassblower James Vella, Graf has designed and created the trophy for the grand prize winner of the 2010 Endangered Species Day Art Contest, which is designed to encourage students to learn about endangered species and express their knowledge through expression of their artwork.
Chosen from applicants ranging from kindergarten all the way through high school, Carter Schroeder from Anchorage, Alaska was the grand prize winner with his piece, Polar Bear & Beluga Whale. Carter will have his name engraved on the base of the trophy, which will be on display at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., following a reception in May 2010.
The award is an eagle sculpture made from donated crystal, redwood samples, and granite.
—Paul Travisano