Sophomore Simone Banks Earns Arts Recognition from Maryland’s Business and Creative Community

Simone Banks, a Visual Communication & Digital Media Arts major at Bowie State, was honored with a Community Impact Award for Creative Excellence on March 11 for her fine arts illustrations. Her prize-winning work, an acrylic painting entitled "Wanted: Woman of Color" was selected from many outstanding submissions across the state.

In celebration, a reception was held at the Newton White Mansion in Mitchellville, where Banks mingled with honorees from other categories, community leaders and dignitaries who presented her with the award, including Bowie State's Maggy François, adjunct professor of fashion design in the College of Arts & Sciences.

"Although I was nominated for my illustrations by Professor François and 'Coach T' Thomasina Boardley, our director of student engagement, the ceremony gave me a chance to use another art form I've honed since I was seven-the art of public speaking," said Banks. "I believe my ability to sway crowds through poetry that supports my art is why they nominated me."

Some of the state and business leaders on hand included the chairman of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, the director of Maryland's Small Business Development Center and the founder of a communications firm that produces multimedia solutions to federal, state and commercial clients.

"I was the youngest person in the room, and to meet the people I did at this event was truly an honor."

Banks' academic path includes a concentration in animation, and she has a passion for a range of fine arts, such as digital media, traditional drawing and painting. She says the opportunities she's had at Bowie State to perfect her craft of using poetic words to enhance the power and influence of her work helped her earn this wider community recognition for her creative excellence.

"Now I can use creativity with skills I'll hone to a razor's edge to make a difference for fellow artists, help others find their creative voices and really make an impact."