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| Evan Cook demonstrates his ceramic art called "Free Flowing Tree". Evan Cook is the winner of the Student Artist of the Year award for 2011 to be presented by the Monrovia Association of Fine Art on May 7, 2011 at their annual fundraising benefit held at the Krikorian Theatre's upstairs on Saturday night. Photo by Ginger Van Hook@2011 |
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| Evan Cook, Student Artist of the year, presented by M.A.F.A. Photo by Ginger Van Hook, 2011 |
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| Evan Cook holds one of his favorite pieces of ceramic artwork, fired up and constructed at Paint N Play in Monrovia, California under the direction of Lisa Barrios. Evan Cook is currently a student and teaches ceramics at Paint N Play during his summer breaks. Photo by Ginger Van Hook |
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| Evan Cook and his Beagle Scully. Photo by Ginger Van Hook@2011 |
I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to personally interview the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts Student Artist of the year winner for the art of ceramics. From the moment I met Evan Cook, he was every bit as delightful as his reputation has him portrayed. Below I wish to share some kind words written by his ceramic's teacher in Monrovia High School, Sal Perez. I also want to thank Evan Cook's family for allowing me to come into their home, meet Linda, Sarah and Ted Alfino and interview their talented 17 year old son for the short ten minute movie that is now on YOU TUBE.
Best wishes and congratulations to Evan Cook and his family from
Ginger Van Hook, Photographer, Writer.
You may view the movie at this link below
Best wishes and congratulations to Evan Cook and his family from
Ginger Van Hook, Photographer, Writer.
You may view the movie at this link below
As a student, Evan is a self-motivating and enthusiastic learner. He is not easily frustrated when presented with a challenge and successful or not he continues to improve, mature, and learn. He enjoys the competitiveness of being one of the best in the class. When he encounters a challenge, he is motivated to look for and find solutions to any challenges that presented themselves to him. This attitude has been the inspiration of many of his outstanding ceramic works of art.
Evan is a problem solver and evidence of this is his use of unique and creative insights to artistic problems. It is this willingness to be the best and his unwillingness to give up when presented with life’s challenges and difficulties that places Evan well above the average student. He is exceptional; a gifted intelligent student and a talented ceramic artist.
As a person, Evan is well-liked, admired, and respected by his peers as well as fellow educators. Don’t let his quiet demeanor fool you, he is a tough competitor and students see him as a leader and positive role model. This is evidenced by the fact that he was the team’s Track and Field Captain as well as the Pole Vault Coach. He served as president of the Astronomy Club and spent a summer at Rawhide Ranch taking leadership classes.
Academically, Evan is currently ranked in the top 30% of his graduating class of 385 with a current GPA of 4.00 and an overall GPA of 2.73. He is taking a challenging class schedule that includes Biology, Physics, Algebra II, Chemistry and AP Studio Art.
Outside of the school day, Evan is and has been actively involved in exhibiting his art work at various art galleries and art fairs including his involvement in the Monrovia’s Festival of Fine Arts called "CELEBRATE THE ARTS" the past 3 years, ‘Focus One Art Gallery’ and ‘The Paint and Play Art Gallery’. His ceramic art works continue to evolve as his artistic skills and techniques increase and the level of quality, originality and breath of his work far surpasses that of many college level students. In addition to this MAFA award, he also received recognition for his artwork by the Kiwanis Club having been awarded the ‘Emerging Artist and Leadership Award’.
Evan’s accomplishments are many, including having earned a Black Belt in Tae Kwan Do and Hap Ki Do, where he competed at the national level and won many gold medals. He also holds several MHS Track and Field records in events such as 800 meter and pole vault, but what impresses me the most about Evan is the volunteer work he has done throughout his high school career. He has help decorate floats for the Rose Parade for the past two years. Has volunteered for the Food Kitchen during Christmas and Thanksgiving serving food to underprivileged and needy people; and has done unpaid tutoring for middle school children of financially troubled families.
Evan is a natural born teacher. He enjoys conversing and teaching people of all ages about his craft/art. He is very knowledgeable of his craft/art for his age but that does not deter him from wanting to get his hands on more information by reading books, watching DVDs, or learning new firing methods or techniques that will improve his skills.
We wish Evan all the best in his studies at Sierra Nevada College
Linda Wagner
Superintendent
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