Franklin College professor advances in art competition

David Cunningham, assistant professor of studio art at Franklin College, has been selected as a finalist in an international art competition.

Cunningham is a contender in the 12th annual International Art Renewal Center Salon.

Cunningham submitted two paintings, “Lady Stardust,” and “My Sun Sets to Rise Again,” in the portrait category and one painting, “Formation,” in the still-life category of the competition.

The award winners will be announced in the coming weeks.

The contest offers more than $100,000 in cash awards, numerous publicity opportunities and a presence on the ARC’s website and full-color catalogue for the selected winners.

Selected works will be exhibited in a traveling exhibition May 12 to June 1 at the Salmagundi Club in New York City and Sept. 23 to Nov. 27, 2017, at the European Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona, Spain.

Cunningham received his bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Evansville and his master’s degree in fine arts from Indiana University.

His work, which depicts realistic images have been included in solo and group exhibitions in galleries and museums throughout the United States such as the Water Tower in Louisville, Kentucky, and the Stage Gallery in Merrick, New York.

In 2014, his painting, “New Year’s Resolution,” won an award for Outstanding Still-Life at the Hoosier Salon juried exhibition and was purchased by the Indiana State Museum for its permanent collection.

In 2016, his work received an Award of Recognition and Viewer’s Choice Award at the 72nd Annual Wabash Valley Juried Exhibition at the Swope Art Museum in Terre Haute.