Vanessa Ovesney, a Bethel Park High School's Class of 2024 alumna, has taken first place in the 2D Art category at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s prestigious Ralph Munn Creative Writing and Teen Media Awards for her painting, “Deamscape.” Ovesney was among more than 300 young artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers, and inventors from across Allegheny County to make a submission to the competition.
The Ralph Munn Creative Writing and Teen Media Awards are celebrated for recognizing the exceptional creative talents of the region's youth. Winners were honored during the Carnegie Library’s end-of-summer Extravaganza, a grand event that included a reception for the awardees. Winning entries, including Vanessa’s 2D Art piece, will be on display at the Main Library in Oakland (4400 Forbes Avenue) through September 2024, offering visitors the chance to appreciate the remarkable creativity of these young minds.
“The sheer talent showcased in this year's entries is truly inspiring,” said Simon Rafferty, Library Services Supervisor - STEAM Learning. “We are so grateful that these brave young artists chose to share their work with us.”
Kizuwanda Raines, also of STEAM Learning, echoed these sentiments, adding, “I feel like I am the entrants' number one fan! I processed each submission, so I read every blurb, admired each art piece, read all the written entries, watched every film, and listened to all the music. I was so stoked to meet some of the entrants at the Reception during Extravaganza. These teens are so inspiring and have motivated me to try my hand at something!"
Vanessa and other first-place winners received a $250 prize for their achievements. This award not only highlights her exceptional artistic abilities but also positions her as one of the leading young artists in the region.
Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Carnegie Library’s Main Library in Oakland to view the award-winning entries and witness the flourishing creativity among today’s youth.
