Medina artist Rick Surowicz has been awarded the prestigious Frederick Wong Award by the American Watercolor Society (AWS) for his painting "Winter Barn." The work is currently on display in New York as part of the AWS's 159th International Exhibition. Additionally, Surowicz earned signature membership in the Transparent Watercolor Society of America with his painting "Winter Tangles." He is a member of the Medina County Art League and studied at the Columbus College of Art and Design, later taking watercolor classes from Medina artist Fred Graff.
This recognition matters because it highlights the achievements of a local artist on a national stage, bringing attention to the Medina art community and the tradition of transparent watercolor. Surowicz's success also underscores the importance of arts education, as he has taught over 600 online watercolor classes to thousands of students via YouTube and Zoom, demonstrating how digital platforms can expand access to art instruction and foster new generations of artists.