The university is proud to announce that the Augustana Art Department has presented its highest award — the Harold Spitznagel Medal for Achievement in Art — to two Augustana students. Randi Inez Eggum ‘25 and Quinn Ward ‘25 were awarded the prestigious medal during the opening reception of the Augustana Senior Show at the Eide/Dalrymple Gallery on Friday, April 25.
“Fearless creativity, unwavering focus and direct engagement with the world all describe Randi Eggum,” said Dr. Scott Parsons, professor of art and chair of the Augustana Art Department. “But more importantly, she approaches everything with discipline and humility.”
Eggum, a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in drawing and Civitas Honors student, explores her heritage and passion for travel in her art. She calls Rapid City home, but she grew up in a family that moved frequently.
“I strive to understand the culture and people I come into contact with,” said Eggum. “In my work, I combine the ideas of personal identity and worldview into how I interact with the world.”
This is exemplified in her book entitled “Romanian Fables,” which was her Civitas Honors Program project. Her research included traveling back to Romania where she grew up in order to collect and translate stories to illustrate.
“What has made Randi’s journey especially powerful is the way she has connected her art to her culture and identity,” noted Assistant Professor of Art Izia Lindsay, who mentored Eggum in producing her self-published book. “Through that connection, she has found a voice — one that is rich, authentic and deeply moving.”
“She consistently goes above and beyond what’s required — always respectful, always engaged and always willing to give of herself.”
Ward, who is earning a BFA in painting and drawing, was recognized with the Harold Spitznagel Medal for Achievement in Art for his centrality within the Augustana Art Department’s community.
“Quinn has been an anchor of the art department, Eide/Dalrymple Gallery and theatre department’s scenic design team from the moment he stepped foot on campus,” explained Dr. Lindsay Twa, professor of art and director of the Eide/Dalrymple Gallery. “He has been a consistent and positive presence in the classroom, in the studios and in the gallery.”
“I think you could poll the entirety of art majors and each and every one would respond that Quinn is truly inspiring,” reflected Parsons. “Our art community is stronger and more inspired because of his presence.”
Ward, of Lead, South Dakota, blended contemporary figurative painting with 19th century landscape traditions for his senior portfolio about the historic and economic forces that shape the American West.
“Throughout my BFA, I focused intently on honing my skills in painting and drawing to effectively visualize these nuanced perspectives and challenge simplistic representations,” explained Ward in his artist statement. “By engaging playfully with stereotypes and sharing my personal connection, I aim to foster curiosity and empathy for the turbulent past and present of the American West.”
After graduating from Augustana, Ward will attend Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, where he has been accepted into the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program.
Eggum and Quinn Ward’s work is on view in the “The Augustana Senior Show: Echoes of Experience,” at the Eide/Dalrymple Gallery and Visual Arts Center at the Washington Pavilion through May 22.
About the Harold Spitznagel Medal for Achievement in Art
The Harold Spitznagel Medal for Achievement in Art is given to artists who demonstrate the highest standards of excellence in their artistic endeavors throughout their careers at Augustana. The award is only bestowed occasionally, and was first awarded in 1959.
The Harold Spitznagel Medal was designed in 1957 by Ogden Dalrymple, Augustana professor emeritus of art. Over the course of the history of the award, two sets of the bronze medals have been struck. At the beginning of the 2023-24 academic year, the Augustana Art Department held one last original medal that still read “Augustana College.” Thanks to the support of past Spitznagel awardees, friends of the Augustana Art Program and TSP, Inc., a new set of bronze medals were struck. These had only one update from Dalrymple’s original design — the medals now read “Augustana University.”