Art contest winners celebrated at the 2024 Trawick Awards in Bethesda

The Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards, a prestigious juried art competition hosted by the Bethesda Arts and Entertainment District, celebrated its 2024 winners during a special awards reception Wednesday evening.

Pedro Ledesma III of Alexandria, Virginia, received the coveted title of “Best in Show” and a $10,000 cash prize. Judges recognized Ledesma for his compelling depiction of the issues affecting small towns in the United States through his photography, which explores social and economic inequalities.

Scott Pennington of Baltimore, Maryland, won second place and a $2,000 prize. The judges awarded third place to James Terrell of Washington, D.C., and $1,000 for his contribution to the contest. The young artist award went to Paloma Vianey of Washington, D.C., who received $1,000 for her promising work.

Background of Ledesma

Ledesma’s artistic trajectory is deeply influenced by her mixed Korean-Mexican heritage and her experiences abroad. Her shift from capturing everyday beauty to addressing social change reflects her commitment to justice and equality. These themes also emerged during her studies in economics. Ledesma holds a Bachelor of Science from MIT and a Master of Arts from Columbia University.

Finalists and judges

This year’s finalists included Rosemary Feit Covey, David Enrique Guarnizo, Rebecca Oh, Tony Shore and others, all of whom demonstrated exceptional talent.

A panel of artists and educators judged the competition, including Dr. Jennifer Figg, professor of art at Towson University; Tatiana Flores, professor of art history at the University of Virginia; and David Page, sculptor-in-residence at American University and winner of the 2004 Trawick Prize.

Founded in 2003 by Carol Trawick, the Trawick Prize is one of the largest regional awards recognizing visual artists. A dedicated community activist and founder of the Jim and Carol Trawick Foundation, Trawick has supported numerous nonprofit organizations in Montgomery County. She also established the Bethesda Painting Awards in 2005.

Work of art

About the Trawick Prize

The Trawick Prize has awarded nearly $300,000 in prize money and showcased the work of more than 170 regional artists. The exhibition featuring the finalists’ work will be on view in Gallery B through September 29, 2024. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. An opening reception will be held on Friday, September 13, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E.

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Gallery exhibits artwork by Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards finalists