LCC Names Davis Spring 2025 Latzer Art Award Winner

The Labette Community College (LCC) Hendershot Gallery Committee has selected a winner for the prestigious John and Bonnie Latzer Student Art Award for the Spring 2025 semester. The winning artwork is a 3D Wire Sculpture titled “The Sword in the Stone” by Garrett Davis, a Sophomore General Studies major from Neodesha.

Davis created the artwork in the course 3D Design which concentrates on helping students learn techniques to create Three-Dimensional works of art in Paper, Clay, Foam, Wood, Wire and Digital 3D Modeling. His project focused on expressing three dimensionality without using mass or volume and concentrating on Line as the primary Art Element.  When asked about his inspiration for the piece, Davis stated that “I was really inspired by the concept of balance both physically and conceptually when creating this Sculpture, I learned to trust the process and find patience to see it through. You can’t stop inside the storm if you want to see the Rainbow!”

When reflecting upon his experiences at LCC and in particular the Art Department, Davis remarked that, “I had Drawing with Professor Bucher and really wanted to take more classes with him as an instructor. Along the way I discovered that I have a passion for 3D Art, in particular 3D Modeling and Printing. I will continue to pursue this passion and incorporate it into my future. “

Established at the Parsons Area Community Foundation, the Latzer Art Award recognizes exemplary achievement by students in Fine Arts and Graphic Design at LCC. As the recipient of this esteemed award, Davis will be awarded a $500 scholarship. 

According to Assistant Professor of Art Burt Bucher, "The Bi-Annual Student Art Exhibition at LCC is unique among Colleges and Universities and a delightful display of the creative talent at our institution. The Wire Sculpture created by Garrett is a wonderful choice for the Latzer Award both in terms of technique and of concept."  

Davis’ winning artwork will added to the permanent art collection at LCC. 

In addition to the Latzer Award, the Gallery Committee presented certificates of recognition to the following "Best in Category" recipients: 

• Drawing: “Still Life with Bear” by Bonnie Merritt
• Ceramics: “Flower Bouquet” by Preston Jester
• 3D Design: “Sword in the Stone” by Garrett Davis
• Art Appreciation: “Floral Form” by Taylor Burzinski
• Page Layout: “The Willow Tree” by Makayla Lunsford
• Branding: “The BSM Graphics Brand” by Breanna Maxwell
• Photo Editing: “Movie Poster” by Carter Swanson
• Best in Illustration: “Lillies” by Gracie Ortega

For more information about the Studio Art or Graphic Design Technology program, please contact Professor Burt Bucher at BurtB@labette.edu or Professor Melissa Kipp at melissak@labette.edu.

For information about the Latzer Art Award, please contact Lindi Forbes, Executive Director of the LCC Foundation, at lindif@labette.edu.