The Art Studio, Inc.’s ISSUE magazine, and TASI-related work was recognized with 21 awards at the Press Club of Southeast Texas Excellence in Media Awards, held virtually Nov. 14.
The awards cover work published in 2019. The awards are traditionally given out in June but were postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
ISSUE staff earned seven first-place awards, and ISSUE placed third for Magazine Overall Excellence.
“The ISSUE staff has always been comprised of volunteers, so we are grateful that so many talented people are willing to devote their time to promote the arts in Southeast Texas and beyond,” Andy Coughlan, ISSUE editor, said.
Stephan Malick placed first in the Column Writing category for his “Above Board” series that shared the process of The Studio’s board.
Malick also earned third place in the Magazine Writing Portfolio category and honorable mention for Magazine News Writing.
Coughlan earned several first-place awards in a variety of categories for his work with ISSUE. Coughlan placed first in the Magazine Writing Portfolio, which covered a variety of stories. Coughlan also placed first in the Magazine Photo category for his picture of Keith Carter and his write up of JooYoung Choi’s exhibition at The Art Museum of Southeast Texas won the Fine Arts Review category. The layout for Malick’s news story about TASI’s February 2019 “Capsula Stellis” show earned first place.
Coughlan won first place in the Travel Writing category for his series on Barcelona and the work of architect Antoni Gaudi which ran in three consecutive publications in fall 2019. His piece on Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia cathedral placed first in the Faith-Based/Inspirational category.
In the Magazine Feature category, Coughlan placed second and third for his feature on Christopher Troutman’s TASI exhibition, and his piece on a pair of art-themed films.
Elaine Wikstrom earned a third-place award for her Travel piece on the Crystal Bridges art museum in Arkansas. Michelle Cate earned honorable mention for Magazine Photo for her image of Beaumont’s Children’s Museum.
Coughlan also earned second place for Magazine Photography. The 2019 Alternative Show poster, designed by Coughlan, placed third in the Poster category, and he placed third in the Personal Profile category, as well as third and honorable mention for Fine Arts Review. Honorable mention also went for Magazine News and Layout.
Coughlan stepped down as ISSUE editor this spring after 18 years.
“It has been an absolute pleasure working with so many wonderful contributors over nearly two decades,” he said. “My goal is always to promote all the arts and I think these awards are validation for the contributor’s efforts, as well as the importance of The Art Studio in the community.”
Coughlan also earned second place for travel writing and for his independent blog.
The Press Club draws its membership from Jefferson, Orange, Hardin, Liberty, Chambers, Jasper, Tyler, Polk and Newton counties. Press Club members are professionals in media, public relations, academia, public affairs, and corporate communication and public information.