Gumberg Library Announces Winner of ‘Lab Girl’ Art Competition

Gumberg Library selected winners of the amateur art competition and exhibition that was part of this year’s National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read programming for Hope Jahren’s book Lab Girl.

The competition, Growing Toward the Light: Pittsburgh Nature, was originally scheduled to be on display in Gumberg Library’s Popular Reading Area from March 9 through March 31. The library displayed 12 pieces by artists from the Duquesne and greater Pittsburgh communities for several days until most on-campus operations were closed due to COVID-19.

During the display, a panel of jurors comprising two Duquesne faculty and one student visited the exhibit and chose two pieces for the grand prize and honorable mention prizes. Exhibit visitors also were encouraged to submit votes for a People’s Choice award.

Rooted, a wearable sculpture, won the Grand Prize.

Rooted, a wearable sculpture designed by Duquesne School of Education Adjunct Professor Suzanne Werder, was the jury’s grand prize selection.

Geyser in the Mist won the Honorable Mention prize.

The honorable mention prize was awarded to Kathleen Morrone, a graduate student and art educator, for her piece titled Geyser in the Mist.

Tranquil Pond won the People’s Choice award.

Tranquil Pond, by Duquesne student Stephen Zarycranski, collected the most votes during the exhibit’s display to win the People’s Choice award.