BEVERLY HILLS—Last month actor, bestselling author and famed local painter Thom Bierdz announced the winners of the 2011 American Art Awards. Since arriving in Hollywood, Bierdz has worked hard to reach all of his goals and enjoy the American dream, and thus he is constantly trying to promote other people and their talents. This week we take a look at one of the AAA winners, that President Bierdz is promoting. This week I spoke with artist and photographer Marisa Atha, who won for two of her great works in the very exciting competition.

Marisa's Sharp Eye Captures Every Detail In Her Artwork

Q-Is this your first time competing in AAA?

A-“Yes, this is my first time competing in AAA; however, I have participated in other gallery and online competitions, in the medium of digital photography. In 2008, I was part of the winner group for the Chelsea International Fine Arts Competition, and exhibited my four winning pieces at Agora Gallery, New York City. Agora Gallery also represented my artwork in 2009, and I exhibited four more pieces. In 2008, I also was part of the winner group for the Axis Gallery 3^rd National Competition, and exhibited my winning piece at Axis Gallery, Sacramento, California. Earlier in 2011, I had one piece selected and featured online in the Modern Art Community 1^st Semiannual Competition. I also participated in several juried exhibitions at the San Francisco Women Artists Gallery in 2007.

Q-What was your category and what place did you win?

A-“I entered in Category 51 (Digital Art Representational), and won first place, as well as fifth place in this category.”

Q-Will you be looking for ways to further your exposure within the art community?

A-“Yes, I am always looking for new and interesting ways to exhibit my photography, and am especially interested in gallery hangings.”


Q-What is your major goal regarding your work as an artist?

A-“While kick-starting my art career, I regularly participated in street fairs and festivals, getting a sense of the kind of prints people were interested in—interested enough to envision on hanging on their own walls, and then follow through with a purchase. As I honed my photography skills, I began gravitating more towards gallery hangings and associated gallery competitions, with the belief that galleries offer a special avenue to the artist/client relationship. My major goal as an artist is get my artwork on people’s walls, and thereby feel I am contributing an artistic and enjoyable atmosphere to daily life.”

Q-Do you have a website where people can see your artwork?

A-“Yes, my website is at www.artsakestudio.com. I use the website to promote and distribute my digital photography and ink drawing prints.

The American Art Awards is an annual international competition open to artists in 56 categories ranging from Art Brut to Realism. The event recognizes commercial talent in painting, photography and sculpture.