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Superintendent's High School Art Show names statewide winners; two students awarded CWU scholarships
Summary
OSPI's annual Superintendent's High School Art Show drew 121 entries from across Washington, producing 20 statewide recognitions, three honorable mentions and two $2,000 Central Washington University scholarships; jurors and partner organizations praised technical skill and social themes in student work.
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction hosted its annual Superintendent's High School Art Show, featuring 121 entries and 20 statewide recognitions, organizers said. Two students received $2,000 scholarships to Central Washington University as part of the CWU Art for Change awards.
Matthew Melendez, the event’s master of ceremonies, opened the program by outlining OSPI’s mission to prepare students for postsecondary education, careers and civic participation and by noting the show’s long history: "The superintendent's high school art show is an annual event that has been running since 1973," he said.
The Governor's Choice Award was announced in person by Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, who congratulated students and noted that he and his daughter reviewed submissions: "I want to give a special congratulation to the winner of the Governor's Choice Award and that is Christina Gervin, of Friday Harbor High School, for her work, Octavius," Ferguson said.
Jurors from arts and education organizations described selections that emphasized both technical skill and narrative. Tamar Crames of the Washington State Arts Commission called Elizabeth Severanko's 'Guardian' "skillfully rendered and courageously offered," and juror Deb Lal praised Mackenzie Burdick's drawing 'Mother' for its detail and emotional connection.
Central Washington University awarded two Art for Change scholarships that come with $2,000 tuition waivers. Greg Schlanger, a CWU professor, said the awards recognize student artwork that "strives to create awareness about challenges facing high school students today." The university named Scarlett Saxaug for 'Ice Out' and Marcela Mendoza for 'Miss America' as the CWU Art for Change recipients.
Partner organizations presented multiple awards across the program. ArtsEd Washington honored Gina Jang's mixed-media piece 'My Road'; the Washington Arts Education Association highlighted a flag entry that represented the national Youth Art Month theme; and the State Board of Education selected Charlie McLean's photograph 'Borderlands.' Public School Employees (PSE) SEIU Local 1948 presented an award to Carly Casper for a mixed-media family portrait.
Organizers said statewide winners receive $200 awards and that two statewide winners were given the $2,000 CWU scholarships in place of the standard award. Melendez said 20 pieces were chosen for statewide recognition and three received honorable mentions.
The event closed with thanks to jurors, partner organizations and OSPI staff and an invitation to view the exhibition. "We hope you've enjoyed the artwork of these talented students as much as we have, and congratulations again to all of the winners," the hosts said.
The exhibition of recognized works and honorable mentions remains on view; organizers encouraged attendees to visit and to explore partner resources for arts education.
