Megan Africk has been taking art classes at Oakton since 2013.
Des Plaines, Ill (April 10, 2024) - Experience local artistic talent at the Skyway Juried Art Exhibition at Oakton. Running until April 30, the annual event gathers talents from eight community colleges, promising a display of the finest works. Attend an open-to-the-public awards and reception ceremony, this Saturday, April 13, from 2-4 p.m. at the Koehnline Museum of Art to meet emerging artists and mingle with esteemed jurors.
More than 200 submissions — including 25 from Oakton — were reviewed by the Skyway jury made up of esteemed artists who selected the best of the best. Among the honorees is Oakton’s Megan Africk, Wilmette, who will receive an Excellence award for her ceramic sculpture “Gray Wolf.”
“I am very excited,” said Africk, “ This is my first art award, and it feels amazing to be recognized for something I enjoy and am proud of.”
Africk, a New Trier Township High School graduate, fell in love with art at a very young age, but once she discovered ceramics, she knew it was her medium. She enjoys creating sculptures of show characters and animals. For her winning piece, she was inspired by a positive depiction of Big Bad Wolf in a Dungeons & Dragons show. By creating the “Gray Wolf,” she wanted to show a softer side of the animal that many fear. In addition to Africk, six Oakton students are featured in the exhibition:
Jessica Cieply, Niles, Willows Academy (Des Plaines)
Maria de Lourdes Frantsve, Park Ridge, CETIS 87 High School (Mexico)
Aidan Grubbs, Des Plaines, Maine West High School
Callie Mendoza, Des Plaines, Elmwood Park High School
Robert Michlove, Evanston, Notre Dame High School
Grace I Park, Skokie, Dong Duk High School (South Korea)
Along with Oakton students, the annual exhibition includes students from McHenry County College, Prairie State College, College of Lake County, Waubonsee Community College, Elgin Community College, Moraine Valley Community College and Morton College. The exhibition’s location changes every year, and each college submits the best of its student artwork, including painting, ceramics, drawing, sculpture, graphic design, photography, video content and other media.
Exhibition Details Public Reception and Awards Ceremony: April 13, 2 - 4 p.m. Viewing Dates: until April 30 Location: Oakton College Koehnline Museum of Art, 1600 E Golf Road, Des Plaines Museum Hours: Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
