TINLEY PARK, IL–Six South Suburban College (SSC) Art & Design students were presented with a municipal award from Tinley Park last week for their artistic bench entered in Tinley Park’s annual Benches on the Avenue contest. Rina Briz of Markham, Devin Walker of Lansing, Kathleen DeJong of Lansing, Narita Sharma of Lansing, Alexis Jannotta of Midlothian, and Sarah Keyes of Tinley Park received the award for Best Group Project for their entry “Girl Power Rules.”

This was SSC’s first ever student entry in the 12th annual public art program that displays decorative benches along Oak Park Avenue from 172nd to 176th streets. Benches on the Avenue has become one of the Village’s most popular attractions, drawing thousands of residents and visitors annually to the downtown area. The colorful benches feature the work of both amateur and professional artists. This year’s competition was themed Heroes and Villains and all 20 benches will continue to be displayed through October 2, 2015.

“The bench was a great opportunity for our students to create and compete in a public art competition and commission,” said Jack Kirkpatrick, SSC Art & Design Program Coordinator. “I’m so pleased their outstanding work was rewarded with the Best Group Project award, and I am appreciative to Tinley Park for inspiring such wonderful creations through this unique art program.”

The SSC Art & Design Program awards Associate Degrees and certifications with classes in painting, drawing, sculpting, pottery, photography, graphic design and more. The college has three galleries on the Main Campus in South Holland that are open to the public. For more information about SSC programs, visit www.ssc.edu or call (708) 210-5718.