The artwork of these ARCC students was recognized:
Maria Arrazola, who is originally from Columbia and attended ARCC from 2001 to 2006, earned first place for her acrylic painting, "Rooster in the Bottle.”

Lucinda Silvis, a former glass blowing student, was recognized with third place for her glass bottle, "Blue Sky Breeze."

Finally, Fredi Vilina, a former glassblowing student and recent continuing education student at the college, received an honorable mention for his beaded necklace. He worked on the winning piece while a student at ARCC.

Arrazola, Silvis and Vilina gained valuable experience studying with the art instructors at Anoka-Ramsey Community College. The college now offers an associate in fine arts degree (AFA) designed primarily for students who plan to transfer to another college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. Students are able to choose a path leading to a fine arts degree in general music/music education or music industry/business; visual arts such as glassblowing, painting, photography or sculpture; or, most recently, theatre.

The quality of work by artists who study at ARCC is exemplified in competitions, such as the annual art exhibition at the Minnesota State Fair. Participation in that competition was open to all living residents of Minnesota, including professional artists. Participants could submit one work for consideration in one of eight categories: oil, acrylic, mixed media; sculpture; watercolor, gouache, casein, tempera; drawings, pastel; prints; ceramics, glass; textiles, fibers; and photography.

See more information about the associate in fine arts degree available at Anoka-Ramsey Community College.