Misuk Weaver of Underhill has been named winner of the second annual Diane Gabriel Artist Award for her portfolio of three-dimensional, multimedia pieces made from discarded, found or upcycled materials and ceramics.
The award, established in 2020 by the family of the late artist and educator Diane Gabriel and presented by Burlington City Arts, annually recognizes a Vermont-based emerging artist who initiates innovative ideas, explores new media or better establishes their art-making presence. It carries a $1,500 cash prize plus $1,000 worth of BCA class registrations and/or studio time.
In just her second year as a full-time artist, Weaver has established a reputation for challenging viewers' perceptions of her works to address themes of scarcity, culture and gender, informed from her identity as a first-generation, Korean-American immigrant.
"I draw much inspiration from the prolific work of Diane Gabriel, and I’m humbled to receive this recognition," Weaver said. "I intend to honor her legacy by continuing my artistic journey, expanding my creativity without constraint by a single medium or technique. I aspire to contribute works that elicit emotions and provoke conversation, elevating voices that have been systematically suppressed or overlooked."
Pictured artwork: "Luxury Bones (An Oral Autobiography)," 2022, ceramic, 13x18.