Fornadel after being presented with the Creative York Award at LSC Design. Photo taken by Gordon Freireich.
The Creative York Award is an award given by the Creative York organization to six worthy candidates who have contributed to the community, showed their outstanding creativity, and had recognizable achievements. York Suburban art teacher Karen Fornadel was one of the six candidates this year.
Creative York (http://www.creativeyork.com), an organization led by YorkArts, was founded to bring the community together by recognizing new talents and cultures through artwork. Creative York offers many workshops, classes, and other events. The organization also displays many collections of art from local artists.
YorkArts (http://www.yorkarts.org) also offers art exhibits, classes, and events in downtown York. The organization supports artists locally, regionally, and nationally, and also teaches the community about creativity through art.
YorkArts serves people of all ages in the York community in activities such as mission-related events and outreach programs. The organization provides programs year-round to attempt to help at-risk children in York City in many ways. YorkArts assists them to find their own creativity and also to develop proper self-expression, respect, and behavior.
Fornadel does not participate often with Creative York, and when asked why she was winning the award, she was surprised; however, it is evident that Creative York has recognized Mrs. Fornadel’s great achievements and contributions to the York community regarding art.
In the description of Mrs. Fornadel’s Honoree Profile on the Creative York Awards page, it is noted that was recognized for her work inside and outside of Suburban. Creative York has made the community aware that she is very involved with art students and the art department within York Suburban School District, as she has been the department chair for nine years and the advisor for National Art Honor Society.
She also provides many opportunities for students who enjoy art to meet local artists and view their collections. Creative York additionally recognized her creativity that was displayed when she and Erica Furjanic teamed up to create the Design Studio class at the York Suburban Senior High School that gives art students experience in the work field.
Lastly, Fornadel is being recognized for her creativity because her art work such as her drawings and paintings are often displayed in various art exhibits in downtown York.
The first annual Creative York Award ceremony was held on October 24, 2014 at LSC Design in downtown York. The Creative York Awards was presented to Fornadel and the five other candidates during the ceremony.