Swaney Prize Judging Recognizes Top Talents

March 23, 2012

Luisiana Mera’s detailed drawings earn her the prestigious annual honor

Luisiana Mera, a freshman from Panama City, Panama, was awarded the 2012 Robb Swaney Prize for Excellence in Visual Expression during judging held on March 8. Established in 2006 by Mary Jane Swaney in memory of her husband, noted Nashville architect Charles Robb Swaney, the $1,000 cash prize honors a student who produced “visual designs and patterns that spoke to others.”

Jurors Martin Shofner of Shofner Buck Architects/ Architectsure and Walter Crouch of Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP praised the Fine Art major’s graphite pencil and colored pencil drawings for their technical excellence, composition and visual impact. They were joined during the selection by George Vogt, a longtime associate of Mr. Swaney.

Pictured at left: Martin Shofner, Luisiana Mera, George Vogt and Walter Crouch.

Chairs nominated two students from each department to participate, and the artists brought examples of their work to display and to discuss during the two-hour process.

Congratulations to the 2012 Robb Swaney Prize nominees:

Lua Faragher, Interior Design

Rachel Growden, Photography

Erika Thompson, Interior Design

Adam Jeremy Agee, Graphic Design