Richmond Artist and First-Time Craft + Design Exhibitor Sean Donlon Receives Best in Show Award

The Visual Arts Center of Richmond presented 10 awards to Craft + Design artists at last night’s Patrons’ Preview Party, which took place at the Science Museum of Virginia.

Glass artist and first-time Craft + Design exhibitor Sean Donlon won the Elisabeth Scott Bocock Best in Show Award, presented by McGuireWoods. Donlon manipulates glass to create mirrorized teapots, which he installs on reclaimed wood or other surfaces. He is currently a full-time artist and the founder of Mule Barn Craft Studios, a collaborative art space in Richmond, Virginia with a conceptual craft focus. Donlon earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in craft and material studies from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2012. One of his largest installations is in Quirk Hotel’s restaurant.

“Sean’s work is phenomenal, and we’re so thrilled to see him get this recognition,” said Stefanie Fedor, executive director of the Visual Arts Center of Richmond.

Out of ten awards, a total of five, including Best in Show, went to Richmond artists.

Friends of the Wood Studio at VisArts Wood and Recycled Materials Award
Daniel Rickey, Wood

Yvonne and Charles Gold Fiber Award
Andrea Donnelly, Fiber

Martin-Star Cabinetry and Design New Artist Award
Caitie Sellers, Jewelry

Richmond Magazine Best Booth Design Award
Caitie Sellers, Jewelry

Other award winners included:

Priscilla Burbank and Mike Schewel Glass Award
Corey Pemberton, Glass

Davenport & Company LLC Innovative Use of Traditional Craft Materials
Wendy Stevens, Metals

Shockoe Bottom Clay Ceramics Award
Seth Guzovsky

Troutman Sanders Contemporary Design Award
Ashley Buchanan, Jewelry

WCVE Precious Metals Award
Beverly Tadeu, Jewelry

Beverly Tadeu, Wendy Stevens and Corey Pemberton received awards in 2015.

Craft + Design continues through Sunday. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Science Museum of Virginia. Tickets cost $10.