Renae Gochnauer holds her winning charcoal drawing, “Tea Time Reflections,” which was selected by Landis Homes.

In May, Landis Homes announced Renae Gochnauer as their 2012 Art Student Award winner.  Renae, a Lancaster Mennonite High School sophomore, was chosen for her charcoal drawing which is titled “Tea Time Reflections.”  The piece depicts a teapot, mugs and other items in a still life with varying shades of grays and black. 

Resident Roland Yoder, a retired art teacher, who helped select this year’s winner, said, “I was impressed with the way the various reflections ‘danced’ off the teapot and mugs.  It is very well done.”

Renae who now lives in Conestoga, PA, said she grew up in the New Danville area.  Her family consists of her parents Dave and Becky, and three older sisters. She attends River Corner Mennonite Church in Conestoga, where she has been on the Bible quizzing team for the past 4 years. 

At Lancaster Mennonite Renae is involved in National Honor Society, band, newspaper, yearbook and choir.  She enjoys volunteering at the Hans Herr House where her mother works as director. She said she is currently looking for a summer job.

 “In the future I plan on graduating from high school, and hopefully going to college,” says Renae.  “Getting a minor in art would be fun, but I am not entirely sure at this point, what I would major in.  There are too many choices!”

Each year Landis Homes selects a piece of artwork from the Lancaster Mennonite High School Spring Fine Arts Festival to become part of a permanent collection on the retirement community campus.  In return for the artwork, Landis Homes made contributions to the Lancaster Mennonite School art department and to Renae to further her education. 

About receiving the award Renae said, “I was shocked and very surprised…..it’s such an honor as a sophomore to be chosen by Landis Homes.”