High School Invitational Art Show
Millikin University
November 2008

DECATUR — When Millikin University's second annual High School Invitational Juried Art Show begins on Nov. 1, one Uni student's work will be on display.

Junior Sindha Agha's photo sequence of her sister Eva running outside on a sunny day has been accepted for the show. Agha could win a cash prize and even a scholarship to the Decatur college, depending on how well the judges like her work.

"It was taken this summer on top of a Norwegian fortress," Agha said of the photo. "My sister and I went on a trip to Norway this summer. We stayed in Oslo and went on several day trips to smaller towns where we did lots of photo shoots."

Agha has tentatively titled her work "Chemical Reaction."

"I've changed that title about three times since I took that picture, though, so we'll see if that's still the title when it goes up in the show," she said.

The show is sponsored by Millikin's art department and the Tabor School of Business Center for Entrepreneurship. Agha and high school artists throughout Central Illinois will have their work on display throughout the month of November in the lower gallery of Millikin's Kirkland Fine Arts Center. 

"The objective of the show is for art teachers to debut their students' talent, as well as provide a 'next level' opportunity for growth in the visual arts," organizers of the show said in a press release. "The student artists are encouraged to price their works and offer them for sale at the show, promoting entrepreneurship."

Two art professors from Illinois State University — James Butler and Richard Finch — will judge the submissions in conjunction with members of the Millikin art faculty.

Uni art teacher Lisa Evans submitted Agha's photos after asking the junior for potential entries.

A reception for participating artists and their teachers, parents, and the public will be held on Nov. 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Kirkland Center. A day's worth of activities, including workshops and presentations by Millikin art students, will precede the reception.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners of Best of Show, first place, second place, third place, and the Millikin Art Faculty Talent Awards. Millikin scholarships will also be awarded to the top three places.

In addition, the student winners and their teachers will receive a trip to Chicago for the Self Employment in the Arts Conference in February.