Ellen Hansen was a student of UC Davis when she was killed in 1981 while hiking in the Santa Cruz mountains. Her father, Robert J. Hansen, a UCD professor of Vet Medicine, established this annual award in 1986 as a tribute. Each year, the Prize is awarded to a UCD woman student whose creative project demonstrates the bravery and independence of women.

I was honored to be selected as one of two first prizes in the 2012 competition among a cadre of beautiful creative projects. My piece is called Healing Shawl and is a full-sized dance shawl printed by dye-sublimation and featuring hand-tied fringe. The shawl was danced at the 40th Annual UC Davis powwow on April 7, 2012 for the benefit of the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Center.

My thanks go out to the Hansens, everyone who contributed to making the exhibit happen, and to all those involved in my project.

More images and the artist statement can be viewed in the Healing Shawl portfolio entry, located here.