Students’ creativity took center stage as artwork from across the school was submitted to art contests this spring, showcasing talent ranging from detailed clay projects to imaginative drawings.
“Each contest has different entry requirements, but throughout the year a total of 72 pieces of artwork will have been entered into contests and the end of year show on May 7th should have at least one piece from all of my students which is about 150+. This year, all four schools (North, South, Middle, and High) are working together to have one very large show at the Community Building,” art teacher Julie Gemes said.
The senate exhibit contest, a very prestigious area to display artwork, gave students the chance to hang their work in the Capitol located in Jefferson City.
“The Senate Exhibit allows any art educator to submit 20 photos of artwork digitally. The Senator from each district picks only one to be on display in the Capital in Jefferson City for the next year,” Games said.
This year, junior Emma Callahan’s drawing was picked by Senator Sandy Crawford. Since Emma was picked all students attending the Youth Art Month ceremony got to meet with Senator Crawford before her recognition ceremony on April 9.
“I think it is important to display artwork for all to see because student artists work very hard throughout the year. Art can sometimes be a hidden talent, so by displaying it we get to see another side of many students,” Gemes said.
Art plays a meaningful role in many students’ lives, offering both comfort and inspiration.
“Art has always meant a lot to me, and has always been something I turn to. When I’m bored, I get out my sketchbook and draw, when I’m happy I draw. If I ever get bored of just drawing then I can paint or try something different. No matter what form or medium, as long as you are creating, it’s art. Winning the contest this year I was very shocked but happy. I honestly didn’t think I was going to win anything, and hadn’t planned on entering anything,” Callahan said.
For senior Serenity Miller, creating art is more than just a class assignment, it is a way to express imagination and creativity without limits.
“I did a clown painting at the beginning of the year, construction paper self portrait, LPS watercolor, cardboard puppet, and more that I can’t remember right now because I make so many. I have also made a lot in my own time at home that I post on my social media. I like to be creative and bring what I imagine in my head into real life. It’s an outlet where you can create whatever because art has no limits. It’s very freeing and I like to bring characters and ideas to life,” Miller said.
Many young artists express that their passion for art goes beyond competition and connects deeply to how they see the world.
“It’s been an honor to be selected to compete. I create art for my own love of doing it, it fills my soul and hurts me when I’m away from being creative for too long. Getting to put my art in front of people and see how they interact with it is something I find a lot of joy in, especially when people share their connections. In some ways, art quite literally shaped the way I see the world. Figure drawing and life studies taught me to find the beauty in what would normally be seen as ugly or mundane,” senior Aleah Minks said.
To the art teacher Julie Gemes, creativity and dedication shown by her student artists continues to grow and so does the hope to continue showcasing student artwork in the future.
“The talent that I am seeing at the High School level is amazing! Each artist has their own style and it is great to see the more advanced students reach out to help others. I believe that art and being creative is a part of me that I would be lost without. There is a lot of problem solving involved most of the time and I love that there is not just one way to get to the end result. My hope is to continue showcasing student artwork in as many contests or shows as possible,” Gemes said.
Results from the OHC Art Show Winners:
Aleah Minks 1st Ceramics “Warts and All”
Elsie Hughes 1st Color Pencil “Keanu”
Serenity Miller 1st Graphic Design “Self-Portrait”
Emma Callahan 2nd Color Pencil “Sleepy Bear”
Hailey Camarillo 2nd Ink/Marker “Whale Shark”
Serenity Miller 2nd Transparent Paint “Littlest Pet Shop”
Amie Gilmore 3rd Transparent Paint “Halfway to Creativity”
Serenity Miller 3rd Opaque Paint “Circus Clown”
