On Our Own Time Award
Within UITS, employees often live and breathe technology, but the reality of the employees is that they have incredible and unique talents outside of their day-to-day jobs and responsibilities. Elizabeth Criger, Infrastructure and IT Services Coordinator II, is just one example of someone exercising skills and passions, and that has recently paid off in some great recognition through the On Our Time Art Exhibit.
The University of Arizona hosts the On Our Own Time Art Exhibit in partnership with the National Arts Program (NAP). The University’s NAP Exhibit is held in Tucson and is comprised of art made by employees and immediate family members.
Elizabeth was awarded the highest honor, winning in the Professional category, which is reserved for a person with serious art training or employed in an art related field.
In describing her style of art, Elizabeth digs deep into her passions and the intricacies of how the brain works. “My work explores human experience and the depth and complexity of our subconscious drives. Dream-like images form a kind of wordless logic and are a way of understanding and processing these experiences beyond language and thought”.
Elizabeth’s winning art titled “Illumination II, a 14”x14” mixed media on board, came to be by meshing the things that she loves into a visual element. “Working in mixed media on board, this piece reflects my love of nature and biology. It references things above and below the surface, such as the hidden mysteries of the natural world or the inner workings of our minds and bodies.”
Additional art made by Elizabeth can be found by visiting her website, Instagram, or checking out her studio in the Steinfeld Warehouse.
In the "Youth Age 12 and Under" category, Maggie South, daughter of Kelly South, Senior Director, Communications & Marketing received first place for her painting "Rosie the Princess." With this recognition, Maggie received the Art Education Award of $200 given to any one artist in the Teen or Youth categories. This monetary award is to be used as payment for any visual arts class, training from an instructor, or art materials that will help further her art education or practice.
The Division of the CIO congratulates Elizabeth and Maggie on their exciting achievement and incredible art.