Catrielle Barnett (Visual Arts 2023) Named 2023 YoungArts National Finalist in Design Arts

December 1, 2022

Catrielle Barnett (Visual Arts 2023) is a 2023 YoungArts National Finalist in Design Arts

Congratulations to Catrielle Barnett (Visual Arts 2023) on being named a 2023 YoungArts National Finalist in Design Arts! She is the only student in Minnesota to achieve this national recognition.

YoungArts has a highly competitive application process for talented artists, judged by an independent panel of highly accomplished artists through a rigorous blind adjudication process. YoungArts winners are eligible to receive valuable financial awards of up to $10,000; presentation opportunities at renowned institutions across the country; and the chance to learn from notable artists and mentors. Catrielle’s finalist award recognizes that her work demonstrates exceptional technique; a strong, sophisticated, nuanced, and clear artistic point of view; and a depth of thinking/performance that far exceeds the level of peers at this career stage.

“I’m so grateful to have this opportunity to be a YoungArts Finalist,” said Barnett. “My sculptural fashion collection, Playing With Fire, was selected for Design. The act of building the portfolio and organizing my thoughts behind the work has proven to be an enriching experience. Creating is one part of this process, writing about your work and communicating your concepts is the second portion. To be a Finalist is an honor and I am humbly overjoyed. I’m in awe of all the creative work produced by other students who are also a part of this competition.”

As a Finalist, Catrielle is invited to participate in National YoungArts Week held in Miami, Florida. During the week in January, participants will:

• Work intensively with a faculty of professional artists to develop work;
• Convene with 150 fellow Finalists across 9 other disciplines from all around the country;
• Participate in interdisciplinary and genre-specific master classes;
• Perform/exhibit their work at the YoungArts Campus and New World Center.

One of the garments that makes up Catrielle Barnett’s collection, Playing With Fire

Catrielle hopes to gain insight into how others approach their creative process. “One of my favorite aspects of learning is listening to other artists and designers share their personal insights,” she said. “I’m ready to take in the knowledge offered by mentors. It’s a week-long program in Miami where the Design Finalists participate in various activities and a gallery show. By the week’s end I hope to push myself using new approaches to design. I’m also looking forward to meeting other students who are dedicated to their pursuits who will also be a part of the week-long events.”

Principal Conn McCartan said, “Catrielle is a multi-talented student who will fit right in at YoungArts Week with the finest young artists in our county.”

YoungArts applicants are between the ages of 15–18 or in grades 10–12, and each of the winners demonstrate outstanding artistic achievement in the visual, literary, or performing arts. YoungArts winners, who represent the top 11% of applicants, are further eligible for exclusive opportunities including nomination as U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.

Catrielle is from Plymouth, MN and is the child of Catrina & Ray Barnett. She previously attended Minnesota Connections Academy in St. Paul, MN. In addition to attending Perpich, Catrielle is also a PSEO student at North Hennepin Community college.

Congratulations, Catrielle!