Alumnus welcomes entries for art contest

Published: Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Savannah College of Art and Design alumnus James Parkes Sulkowski (B.F.A., computer art, 2006), owner of Masterpanels, welcomes entries from SCAD students, alumni and faculty for an art competition to be conducted every three months. The winning artist will receive three complimentary 9-by-12-inch Master Series art panels, worth $75. The top three entries will be featured on the Masterpanels Web site. Entries for the first round must be received by July 15, when judging will commence.

Entrants must use any of the products available at www.masterpanels.com, and must submit the online contest entry form when placing an order. Students receive a 10 percent discount on all merchandise.

Sulkowski resides in Atlanta, where he launched his own business creating fine art panels for art students and professional painters. His father, Joseph Sulkowski, a painter trained under artists at the Art Students League of New York, taught his son the technique of preparing artist panels using an ancient Renaissance gesso mixed and applied by hand. His “secret recipe” gesso is mixed in precise ratios and at particular temperatures to maintain consistency.
    
“The entire process can be very time-consuming,” said Sulkowski. This, he said, is why artists sometimes seek out professionals such as Masterpanels to prepare panels for them.

“It is crucial that young artists today return to using materials that are time-tested and will have longevity,” he said. “Renaissance gesso and fiberboard panels will last forever.”
   
Additional information about Masterpanels and the sponsored art contest can be found at www.masterpanels.com/promotions. Questions may be directed to contest@masterpanels.com.