College to Present Third McDonald Biennial Art Exhibition

Top Prize Is $1,000 for Student Artwork The third McDonald Biennial Exhibition featuring works by Wilmington College art students will run from March 18 through April 25. A reception honoring the artists and the announcement of awards will be held opening night from 6 to 8 p.m. Normal gallery hours are weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by special appointment arranged by gallery director Hal Shunk, professor of art. Two Wilmington College alumni established the Biennial in 2011 as a means for sharing their love of art. William McDonald, class of ’66, and Janet Jefferis McDonald ’67 are again this year sponsoring the painting and printmaking exhibit and competition to motivate WC students to look at potential careers as working artists. “We want to encourage Wilmington students to consider careers as painters and printmakers,” William McDonald said. “With this in mind, we tried to choose a project that might encourage the painting and printmaking student to: (1) work a bit harder in studio courses, (2) embrace public exposure and evaluation of his or her works, and (3) build the strongest portfolio possible.” The winner for The Biennial’s Best in Show will receive a $1,000 award and engraved trophy representing The Janet and William McDonald Prize in Painting and Printmaking. Additional artists also will receive prize money and awards. The jury of judges includes Shunk, as well as Mikaela Lamarche, curator, ACA Galleries, New York City; and Lynne Ambrosini, chief curator, Cincinnati Taft Museum of Art. The McDonalds are committed to funding The Biennial at least through 2019. Shunk is coordinating the gallery exhibit and associated details with regard to the competition. “We greatly appreciate the McDonalds’ generosity and great commitment to artistic endeavors at Wilmington College,” Shunk said. “This is not only a wonderful opportunity for our students to compete and exhibit their work, but also it provides as impetus for them to consider their artistic talents as they prepare for their career paths.” While at Wilmington College in the 1960s, Janet was an English major that took two art courses, while William, a history major, took one. He noted that “brief exposure to aesthetics sparked” their lifelong interest in art, artists and art history. The couple resides in Charleston, W.Va., where he has maintained a chiropractic clinic for the last 30 years. They have two daughters, Tara and Meg, and four grandchildren.