Art teacher wins Best in Show
MEA member Gabby Marderosian set a goal for 2025 to collect rejection slips as a means of pushing herself to complete personal art projects amid the demands of working as a traveling elementary art teacher in Farmington Public Schools.
“It’s a fun way of making yourself put yourself out there and not being afraid of getting rejected,” she said.
However, in her first-of-the-year submission to a juried art exhibition, Marderosian said she was “humbled, surprised and delighted” to win Best in Show in the 61st Annual MEA/MAEA Art Purchase Exhibition for a painting in acrylic titled “Strike in Nashville.”
This year’s show featured nearly 70 pieces of art selected from more than 170 submissions in a wide variety of media, including painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, glass, fibers and more.
The three-week exhibition at MEA Headquarters wrapped up with a first annual artists’ reception. Read more about Marderosian and her winning entry and view all accepted and award-winning entries at mea.org/art-2025.
Reception wraps MEA exhibition
A first‑of‑its‑kind artists’ reception capped off this year’s 61st MEA/MAEA Art Acquisitions Purchase Exhibition at MEA Headquarters in East Lansing. The reception concluded the three‑week juried exhibition in June, featuring nearly 70 pieces of art selected from more than 170 submissions in a wide variety of media, including painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, glass, fibers and more. “It was wonderful to celebrate the incredible talents of MEA members with a mix of socializing, snacks and drinks, along with a culminating awards ceremony,” said Heidi Posh, a Livonia art teacher who serves as co‑chair of the MEA Art Acquisitions Committee. In addition to Best in Show, awards categories included Honorable Mention, Juror’s Choice, MAEA Purchase, and MEA Purchase. View this year’s show at mea.org/art‑2025.
