A Mansfield Senior High School student, described by her art teacher as “an exceptional young woman,” is the top People’s Choice Award winner at the Mansfield Art Center.
Junior Maranda Cline was among scores of students from Richland and other counties whose work was displayed at the art center March 19-April 16 after they were judged regional winners in the 47th Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition.
During the month-long exhibit visitors were asked to vote online for their favorite piece, either at a kiosk at the art center or on their cellphones. “I was surprised,” Cline said after learning that her acrylic painting, titled “Grieving,” was the top vote-getter. She received a $200 award.
Using brushes and her fingers, Cline worked for about a month to complete the painting. It is based on a real-life experience. “I have a friend who was incarcerated,” Cline said. “I told him that I would paint something for him. He said he was really proud that I would do that. He is making me proud too by the positive changes he is making in his life.”
Asked to describe Cline as a student, Senior High art teacher Mindy Duncan said, “In a word, exceptional.” “I have known Maranda since she was in the seventh grade. She is a wonderful young woman, talented and compassionate. She always is helpful with other students in the classroom.”
Cline said art always will be part of her life, at least as a hobby. She already is focused on career plans. “I want to be a pediatric physical therapist,” she said.
