Tanya Kapanzhi, a Photography & Digital Arts major from Marlton, N.J., received the Marian Locks Award at Moore's 169th Commencement on Saturday, May 12.
The Marian Locks Award, established in 2011 by the Locks Family Foundation, may be used to supplement income, enable postbaccalaureate internships or service, facilitate postgraduate travel and research, or help support graduate study.
Kapanzhi described winning the award as 'a victory of achievement and perseverance.'
"During my time at Moore I have worked very hard to prepare myself to enter the professional art community in a way that not only I can be proud of, but also the people who have been undergirding me," she said. "This award represents an accomplishment for people who, like myself, have returned to a four-year institution after having spent time in the working world."
"Tanya's involvement and engagement in the community, and her ability to articulate how her experience shaped her, made her an ideal candidate for the award," said Moore President Cecelia Fitzgibbon.
In applying for the award, Kapanzhi submitted an essay describing herself, her influences, her work, her future, and how the award would help her accomplish her goals. Her visual presentation included images she had taken during her internship with artist Carrie Mae Weems in Syracuse, N.Y.
"I talked about the importance of not seeing the people in each image as opportunities, but as people," she said. "I spoke about Carrie's mentorship and how she helped me to connect to my voice as an artist."
This competitive award pays tribute to Philadelphia icon Marian Locks’ pioneering spirit and vision, and her commitment to contemporary artists. Applicants are evaluated based on the quality of written, visual and oral presentations, clarity of goals and outstanding creative and leadership potential. The process of application and selection is overseen by the Locks Career Center and the Office of Student Services, with candidates judged by a panel of external jurors who are experts in their fields.
Kapanzhi plans to use the $5,300 award to upgrade photographic equipment, with the rest going toward pursuing a graduate degree.
Read more about Kapanzhi here.
