2013 Mitch Seigel Art Award
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Harwood Union High School student Jake Rand receives the 2013 Mitch Seigel Art Award, presented by Jack Carter and Rachael Sophrin, June 17, 2013
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The Mitch Siegel Award was created in honor of Mitch Siegel, founding member of the non-profit Waterbury Activities and Cultural Center (known to many as WACC). Mitch was a WWII veteran, an artist and educator who retired to Vermont after his years as an art teacher in the Westchester schools, NYU and Metropolitan Museum of Art. His creativity and love of the arts helped forge and establish numerous community and cultural events in Waterbury such as the Stowe Street Arts Festival. Mitch’s spirit lives on in many Waterbury arts and cultural events that continue today and his paintings can be found around our community in places like the Waterbury Center Grange Hall. Other founding members of WACC fondly remember his sketching during meetings in the 3×5 pad he always kept with him. Mitch’s legacy is living proof of the importance of art and the richness and vibrancy that creativity brings to our everyday lives.
In 2013, WACC merged with and became Across Roads Center for the Arts. One of the key components to the mission of Across Roads is the facilitation and support of arts and cultural education in Waterbury and Central Vermont. This tradition continues today as we present the 2013 Mitch Siegel Award to Jake Rand. Jake was selected by his teachers because of his energy, creativity and enthusiasm and his desire to continue his education in graphic art and design. The $250 award can be used towards tuition, materials and any art related venture he pursues. The award also includes a free booth at the 2013 Waterbury Arts Festival this July if he chooses to display his work and talent. Congratulations Jake, we look forward to hearing about your journey!