Dalia Delanuez, Clemson University Art Department MFA Candidate in Sculpture, Wins "Margaret Millspaugh Memorial Scholarship" from Tri State Sculptors

Adodi Sanctuary, by Dalia Delanuez, pine needles, paper, steel, 33"x81"x33", 2015

Dalia Delanuez has won the "Margaret Millspaugh Memorial Scholarship" from Tri State Sculptors. This is a special scholarship sponsored by Dan Millspaugh, professor emeritus of sculpture, UNC-Ashville, in memory of his beloved wife, Margaret.   Dalia received a B.F.A. in Art from Converse College and is currently enrolled in the Master of Fine Arts program in Art with an emphasis in sculpture at Clemson University. 

In addition to a $500 cash award, Ms Delanuez will receive a one-year membership in Tri State Sculptors membership, along with a waiver of the conference fee for 2015. 

Artist's Statement:

Sanctuary

People come together the same way birds come together with the purpose
of finding a place of shelter where they feel safe and protected in a secure
habitat. Examples of these habitats can be the human body, homes,
churches, forests, or any special place, that we can identify as a
“Sanctuary”. I build human-sized nests in representation of these special
dwellings, which are the places people, like birds, can be at peace.
Birds build amazing structures with disposable materials, transforming
them into fluid architectonical forms. I build my structures following their
similar rhythm; where something was considered useless trash and
discarded, as an artist, I can assemble these pieces and transform them
into sculptures. The majority of the work I create are an abstraction of
movement and color I perceive from these sources of inspiration.
The above connections help me to choose the supplies I need to create
works of art. I use scrap wood, scrap metal mesh, and stainless steel
fragments. I also collect all kind of organic and recyclable debris to mimic
how a bird collects and builds its nest. While I use a variety of materials
and processes in each project, my concept is consistent between
sanctuaries, birds, and the transformation of objects with hidden potential.

The Tri-State Sculptors Educational Association was formed in 1978 by a group of sculptors from Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina to promote public awareness and appreciation of sculpture in the region and to exchange ideas and information among its members. The organization holds annual fall conferences with concurrent exhibitions. Presentations cover a wide range of topics of interest to sculptors and those interested in sculpture, casting techniques, public art, studio hazards,  gallery relations, etc.

Each spring there is a more informal conference when members can get together to share ideas and socialize. Other events and exhibitions are organized each year as the need or opportunity arises  Members also stay connected and informed through a quarterly newsletter.

Membership is open to anyone interested in sculpture, regardless of style, medium, education, or location. Annual membership dues are due on January 1 of each year.

Their 37th Annual Tri State Sculptors Conference will take place October 1-4 at UNC-Wilmington in North Carolina.  For more information on the conference, please go to:
http://tristatesculptors.org/tss-annual-conference/37th-annual-conference/