PORTSMOUTH
Nancy "Beth" Reid, the teen artist whose nude self-portrait was denied top prize in an art contest, was given $1,000 in a private ceremony today at Churchland High School.
Beth, 17, was the first top winner chosen for The Virginian-Pilot Student Gallery, which is open to any high school junior or senior in the region. Her work was rejected for first place by the newspaper's publisher, Bruce Bradley. He deemed the work "inappropriate" for the show because it is a nude image of a minor.
Two art lovers started a fund drive to replace Beth's cash prize. The $1,000 for Beth was donated Saturday by Acoustical Sheetmetal Inc. of Virginia Beach.
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Watch The Dot
nothing objectionable
If you haven't seen the painting, don't comment on it. You can see it at the Chrysler, or the Daily Press has published it and posted it. See it for yourself and then decide.
There is nothing objectionable to the painting. Contrary to what one poster here says, this is not "sour grapes" money. The young woman didn't ask for compensation. She entered an art contest. She followed the rules. A highly qualified judge picked her work as the best. Why is this so hard to understand?
Her piece was reviewed and entered into the show. It's still on display at the Chrysler. The Pilot didn't complain until it was picked as the winner. So I guess their feeling is: It's fine to present nude art, but we can't acknowledge that it's any good.
Beautiful art work from a brilliant young woman
Beth's painting is not explicit. There is no frontal nudity. Please do not post a negative comment unless you have seen the painting. Also, please do not make assumptions about this young woman of whom you have not met. Beth is a mature, intelligent and well spoken young lady. Those that know her have a lot of respect for her.
Teen Artist
This is a never-ending debate, but allow me to interject: there are forums for expressing creativity and boundaries exist everywhere for what is appropriate and what is not. I imagine that Churchland High School itself has a standard list of acceptable behaviors and forms of expression that govern the educational environment. Nudity, while an acceptable and long-treasured expression of mature art, is not appropriate in any school-based assignment. This situation would not have gone this far had the art department at the school considered the artist's project in the planning stages and made suggestions that would be more appropriate for a school-related function. That's what mentors are for - guidance and support. But giving the artist a "sour grapes" award only reinforces that emotions often overpower the simple boundaries society must create and sustain. The generous benefactors have sent the wrong message...
Thank you Petra Snowden
And thanks also to Acoustical Sheetmetal for your generosity and willingness to support this obviously talented artist.
17 year old artist
Thank you Bruce Bradley. At least someone has some sense