Rohm and Haas Recognizes Four Local Art Students for Outstanding Achievement

Rohm and Haas Company recently recognized four student artists, for outstanding work through its 29th Annual Fine Arts Achievement Awards. Each piece of award-winning art becomes part of the company’s extensive art collection on display primarily in Rohm and Haas offices in the Delaware Valley. This year’s recipients included Lillian Cotton, The University of the Arts; Melanie Bergwall from Moore College of Art & Design; Rebekah Callaghan from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art; and James Bellew from Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. A freshman at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and Philadelphia native, James Bellew’s award-winning artwork is entitled My Backyard. The oil on canvas painting is a realistic interpretation of his backyard in South Philadelphia. "I wanted to paint my surroundings and be true to myself,” Bellew remarked. A senior at Moore College of Art & Design and Philadelphia resident, Melanie Bergwall’s untitled artwork is a digital print on three layers of cellulose acetate film that creates a three dimensional effect. Bergwall describes her layered silhouette of a fashion model as "a new way of presenting fashion imagery.” After graduation Bergwall plans to work as a full-time print designer for Urban Outfitters. A senior at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art, Rebekah Callaghan, of Havertown, Pennsylvania, was awarded for her piece entitled, Snowday, an oil paint on canvas, which depicts an untouched snow-covered landscape. "The painting was inspired by an old photograph I found of my backyard taken after a snow storm…having been based on an old photo and built from a childhood memory of snow, the piece conveys a sense of nostalgia,” Callaghan explained. After graduation Callaghan plans to dedicate herself to volunteer work and hopes to further her education by attending graduate school. Lillian Cotton of Rock Hill, S.C., is a senior at The University of the Arts, Cotton’s artwork is entitled This is my Identity. The artwork, a vibrant oil paint on canvas, is a self portrait that abstractly highlights the student’s flowing hair. "I read the book Hair story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America by Ayana Byrd and Lori Tharps,” Cotton remarked. She further explained her inspiration for the piece stating "One of the ways a woman defines her identity is through her hair… It is one of the first things people see.” After graduation Ms. Cotton plans to participate in artist residencies and continue her education as a graduate student. Each year a committee of approximately five Rohm and Haas Company employees visits exhibits at each of the four art schools and selects one winner from each school. The four pieces selected this year join more than 100 other pieces selected in the company’s Annual Fine Arts Achievement Award. Mr. John C. Haas, former company director of Rohm and Haas, personally presented each of the four winners with a certificate during a luncheon ceremony attended by the honored artists, representatives from the four schools, and the Rohm and Haas selection committee. Each work of art was purchased by the company and will be on display at Rohm and Haas offices for the employees and visitors to view and appreciate. Rohm and Haas’s Responsible Neighbor Community Programs work to advance the economic, social, and environmental quality of life in the communities where Rohm and Haas operates and its employees live through giving, volunteerism and community dialogue. It’s programs promote science, technology and mathematics education, environmental and safety concerns. About Rohm and Haas Company Leading the way since 1909, Rohm and Haas is a global pioneer in the creation and development of innovative technologies and solutions for the specialty materials industry. The company’s technologies are found in a wide range of industries including: Building and Construction, Electronics and Electronic Devices, Household Goods and Personal Care, Packaging and Paper, Transportation, Pharmaceutical and Medical, Water, Food and Food Related, and Industrial Process. Our innovative technologies and solutions help to improve life everyday, around the world. Based in Philadelphia, PA, the company generated annual sales of approximately $8.9 billion in 2007. Visit www.rohmhaas.com for more information. imagine the possibilities™