QCA Fine Art student Michelle Gunther was recently announced as the recipient of the Inaugural Bonnie English Memorial Art Theory Award.
This newly created award was presented to Michelle, currently in her third year of study, after she received the highest grade for second year theory studies.
The award honours the memory of Bonnie English (1948 -2013), an ex-pat Canadian art and design historian and lecturer who taught art theory at the Queensland College of Art for almost 40 years.
Bonnie’s teaching and research focused on 20th century visual arts history including the history of design, fashion and costume design, and the interrelationship of fashion and art.
Michelle is currently on exchange in Kassel, Germany, after she was awarded a Commonwealth scholarship by Go Global through Griffith University.
She says she’s excited to receive this special award in memory of Bonnie English.
“I feel truly honoured to be the first student to receive this new award named to honour Bonnie English. I hope to one day emulate her vision and achievements as an academic, and her impact as a inspirational lecturer in the field of Art Theory at QCA,” says Michelle.
Active in the arts and QCA communities, and a member of the Griffith Honours College, Michelle credits her time as a Peer Assisted Study Session (PASS) leader at Griffith with helping her to attain this accolade.
“Without being a PASS leader I don’t think I would have achieved this. It’s amazing how sharp your academic writing and research skills get when you have to prep yourself to facilitate the learning of others. I know it has accelerated my skill development so quickly.”
In future, the award will be presented annually to the third year Fine Art student who achieves the highest mark for their final year theory studies. Future recipients will be announced at the QCA Graduate Showcase held in October/November of each year.
Find out more about Art Theory at the Queensland College of Art.
Visit Michelle Gunther’s website.
One of 200 images from the installation.