Bluffton University graphic design major Abby Graber, ‘16 of Goshen, Ind., is competing for the People’s Choice Award from the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio. 

Graber’s portfolio along with the portfolios of the other nominees can be found on the AICUO’s website at www.aicuoartaward.com.

TO GO DIRECTLY TO GRABER'S PORTFOLIO CLICK HERE.

The competition is part of the AICUO’s Award for Excellence in the Visual Arts.  The competition recognizes outstanding students from the art programs at independent colleges and universities in every region of Ohio. Launched in 2008, the EVAs use the Internet as a venue for the competition, providing each nominated student with a permanent online portfolio. 

Graber draws inspiration from surrealism, female empowerment and personal experience.  She says art was a way to free her mind of boredom when she was young.  Now, she enjoys the functionality that art can have.

“Whether it’s teaching someone else to fold a paper crane, making a ceramic mug to drink from, giving someone a henna tattoo or designing a coloring book page – all of these creations have a functional ability that allows others to enjoy and experience something from the art as well,” said Graber. 

Senior students, attending AICUO institutions, who have an exceptional portfolio and artistic drive are nominated by their department chairs or deans for the awards. Work from the nominees will be on the AICUO Art Award website for the months of February and March, during which time the public is invited to vote for the People’s Choice Award.