LOS ANGELES — Staff members from University Press recently shone at the 18th Los Angeles Press Club National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards Gala, held on December 7 at the Biltmore Hotel.
They garnered four awards in the student categories, showcasing talent from many publications nationwide. Notably, former editor Maddie Sims took home second place for Best Arts or Entertainment News Story with her piece “Finding Joy in Creation,” highlighting Evita Tezeno’s collage exhibition at the Dishman Art Museum. She also claimed third place for her commentary on the production “Constellations” by Southeast Texas Stages. Since graduating in May, she has begun reporting for The Examiner.
Current managing editor Kami Greene earned accolades as well, securing second place in the Best Arts or Entertainment Profile category for “Fruit City to Big Apple,” a profile on Lamar University alumna Kate Robards.
Former staff member Sidra Ganni was recognized with third place for Best Arts or Culture Feature for her article “Exploring the Unseen,” which focused on the Dishman Art Museum’s exhibition “Where the Amish Vacation.”
Andy Coughlan, the director of student publications, expressed pride in the team’s success. “This is our first time entering this competition, and it’s rewarding to see our staff compete at a national level,” he said. “While awards aren’t the goal, they encourage us to keep our standards high.”
Coughlan himself excelled in the professional categories, winning four awards for his contributions to The Beaumont Enterprise. His piece “Gauguin’s World” won first place in the Visual Arts/Architecture Feature (Over 1,000 Words). Judges praised how he intertwined Gauguin’s life with his art, offering a rich overview of both the artist and the exhibition.
He also received second place in the Diversity in the Music/Performing Arts/Arts Industry category for his review of José Villalobos’ exhibition at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas. Additionally, he earned third place for his overall body of work in the Art/Design/Literature Critic category, as well as a third-place win for a piece on Orna Feinstein’s exhibition.
This year’s contest featured over 1,700 entries, highlighting the competitive landscape of arts journalism today.
In a world where digital media dominates, awards like these provide essential recognition. They not only celebrate individual talent but also inspire upcoming journalists to pursue excellence in storytelling and critique. As the arts scene continues to evolve, dedicated platforms remain crucial for sharing diverse voices and perspectives.
