show information
for student artists
Are you a full-time ART student currently enrolled at the college level in Pennsylvania, or surrounding states? If so, you are eligible to apply for our June or September shows. More info HERE
As we strive to provide art students with an exciting and valuable experience, we recruit qualified jurors from the arts community in Philadelphia. Scroll down for more info on our September 2024 Jurors, and the September 2024 show winners. Student Award Jurors look for unique voice, professionalism, and a cohesive style.
Meet Our Sept 2024
Student Award Jurors
Jody Sweitzer is an interdisciplinary artist with a focus on installation and experiential environments.
She graduated from FIT and UArts and then went on to receive her MFA from University of Pennsylvania.
During her studies she was an exhibiting member of Voxpopuli then Nexus and recently was invited to be an honorary member of The Plastic Club. Jody lived in Paris, where she became the assistant to the costume designer of the Paris Opera. Upon returning to Philadelphia, she designed and sold a body of found object wearables.
She was then invited to teach found object sculpture and installation at the University of the Arts. Jody has been the Curator of Off the Wall Gallery for the past 18years, an alternative art space since 1978,
Which is focused on recognizing and promoting emerging artists of the Philadelphia area.
Michael Guinn is an oil painter and draughtsman based in Philadelphia. Raised in West Philadelphia, Michael went to John Bartram H.S. and while there, took summer classes at PAFA in 1960. He went on to study at the Philadelphia Museum College of Art (UARTS) and graduated in 1966. In 1962 and 1963 as a student, he participated in the "clothesline show", the forerunner of the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show. After serving four years in the U.S. Air Force, he lived and studied in Rome, Italy for two years. Since then, he has worked in Philadelphia both in fine and commercial art. He has exhibited his work in many Philadelphia galleries and has works in collections both here and abroad.
Michael is also past-President and current Board Member of the Plastic Club, a 127 year old art club in Center City. His deep roots in the Philadelphia art community compliments the rich history and influence of the Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Show.
Sept 2024 Student Award Presenter
June Armstrong
​June Armstrong is the Executive Director for the Friends of Rittenhouse Square.
She is responsible for furthering the Friends' mission to Preserve, Protect, and Beautify the Square, and leads the team that keeps Rittenhouse Square clean, green and beautiful every day. She has served in a number of roles with the organization and has overseen all major capital improvements in Rittenhouse Square since 2018.
June is a Philadelphia native, Rittenhouse Square resident, and is a graduate of Williams College, where she received her degree in Art History.
THANK YOU
to our Sept '24
Award Sponsors!
September 2024 Student Award Winners
Student Award Winners September 2024
RSFAS David Wentz Memorial “Award of Excellence”
Benjamin Gromer - Temple University
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Vasari Oil Colors “Excellence in Oil Painting” Award
Holly Dudley - Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
Jerry’s Artarama “Art Ignites Change” Award
Claire Fukuchi - University of Pittsburgh
Jerry’s Artarama “Power of Creativity” Award
Stephanie Brown - Studio Incamminati
Jerry’s Artarama “Be Inspired” Award
Varvara Fern - Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
Group Photo - Left to right: June Armstrong (FoR), Benjamin Gromer, Holly Dudley, Claire Fukuchi, Stephanie Brown, Varvara Fern