S3 Exhibition Grand Prize Winner Jason Rogers

On view through September 7 in the Allie Kussin Main Gallery, S3: An Introduction, an exhibition featuring the work of The Umbrella's adult art students who are creating and learning in a variety of art mediums and subjects. The exhibition was juried by Noelle Fournier, Director of the Danforth Art School at Framingham State University, who also named one Grand Prize winner and a group of Honorable Mentions who will receive scholarship funds for their next Umbrella course. A student of Umbrella Studio Artist and internationally exhibited painter Lois Andersen, Jason Rogers was awarded the Grand Prize for his painting "3 eggs in a nest," and sent the following message in response the news:

"Well… this was unexpected.

I’m incredibly honored (and still a little shocked) to share that my painting “3 Eggs in a Nest” won the Grand Prize in the “S³: An Introduction” show at The Umbrella Arts Center.  

Negotiating, counseling and managing risk may be my day job — and one I truly enjoy — but painting has quietly become something just as important: a creative outlet that lets the other half of my brain breathe, and helps me process, recharge, and reimagine.

What’s surprised me most is how this artistic practice hasn’t just enriched my personal life, but also my professional one.  I never thought smearing oil paint late on Monday nights would make me a better inhouse lawyer, but here we are. Turns out creativity, perspective, and a willingness to sit with uncertainty serve you pretty well in both art and law.

Huge thanks to The Umbrella, my teacher Lois Andersen, and everyone who supported the show. It’s deeply meaningful to be included among such talented artists.

And to anyone out there juggling a career with a creative itch: scratch it. You might surprise yourself."

Congratulations to Jason, and the others honored in and selected for the exhibition!

Learn more about the juror and the exhibition here.