BFA Fine Arts student Crystal Wai Man Chan took home first place in the Fourth Annual Will Barnet Student Show held by The National Arts Club earlier this month, earning the top prize for an untitled, gestural painting of a muted urban landscape. Chan was nominated by BFA Fine Arts Department Chair Suzanne Anker as one of two students from SVA for the Club’s annual student exhibition; BFA Fine Arts student Tamanna Malik was the College’s other nominee.

Each year the show, named for legendary New York painter and educator Will Barnet, features works of various media by students from The Art Students League, Fashion Institute of Technology, Lehman College (CUNY), New York University, Parsons School of Design, Pratt Institute and SVA. At the opening on April 6, Chan was awarded First Prize, which comprises a $2,500 grant and a solo exhibition at The National Arts Club in 2018. Artists Kyle Saver and Timur York and Club registrar Robert Yahner served as judges.

The National Arts Club, founded in 1898, is a private club that serves as a gathering place for and sponsor of artists, art lovers and patrons. It puts on several public exhibitions a year and many more social events and hosts art classes. The student exhibition including Chan’s work is on view until April 27 at The National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South.

“I have to thank to my teachers for being very supportive of me, and having trust in me,” Chan said, still reeling from her success. “That built my confidence and helped me to better understand [my] art. I'm now more certain about what I want to express using my sensibility and creativity.” Below, she discusses her award-winning work and plans for what’s next.

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