High School Artists Across Washington Earn Statewide Recognition
State Superintendent Chris Reykdal announced the winners at the 49th Annual High School Art Show, streamed virtually yesterday by OSPI.
OLYMPIA — May 27, 2022 — Over the past year, high school artists across Washington state have channeled their emotions into their art, and today, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) honored some of their work at the 49th Annual Superintendent’s High School Art Show.
The show, hosted by Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal and streamed on social media by OSPI, celebrated the work of young artists from Quilcene to Mead, and all points in between.
“Congratulations to all of the artists who were recognized today,” said Superintendent Reykdal. “It is always so powerful to see our students express themselves in this way, and their thoughtful approaches remind us of art’s power to grow our students’ creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills.”
In addition to visual arts, Mount Vernon High School’s music program provided two mariachi performances, and Port Angeles High School contributed a student’s video feature on a local restaurant.
The Superintendent’s High School Art Show is the final stop in a process that begins in classrooms across the state. Artwork is sent to the regional educational service district (ESD) level for regional judging and awarding before being sent forward to the state level.
Art Show Award Winners
- Jacob Reeves “Old Capitol” | Superintendent’s Award
Olympia High School (Teacher: Joshua Everson), Olympia SD, ESD 113 - Margot Massey, “Georgia on My Mind” | Governor’s Choice Award
Kamiakin High School (Teacher: Corrine Lechelt), Kamiakin SD, ESD 123 - Isabelle Ehlis, “Botanical Refuge” | OSPI Staff Award
A.C. Davis High School (Teacher: Carole Huls), Yakima SD, ESD 105 - Adelyn Krone, “The Track to Ukraine” | Jurors’ Choice Award
Avanti High School (Teacher: Cecily Schmidt), Olympia SD, ESD 113 - Erewyn Limric, “Immigrant Stereotypes” | Jurors’ Choice Award
Puyallup High School (Teacher: Dorrie Coleman), Puyallup SD, ESD 121 - Toko Kameda, “Escapism” | Jurors’ Choice Award
Kamiak High School (Teacher: Emily Palmitere), Mukilteo SD, ESD 189 - Rachel Peterson, “Innocent Rumination” | Jurors’ Choice Award
On Track Academy (Teacher: Erin Bangle), Spokane Public Schools, ESD 101 - Patricia Catacutan, “The Real Me that You See” | Jurors’ Choice Award
Ridgefield High School (Teacher: Tamara Hoodenpyl), Ridgefield SD, ESD 112 - Teagen Bushman, “Brown Eyes” | AWSP Award
Chiawana High School (Teacher: Felicia Jones), Pasco SD, ESD 123 - Annaka Hansen, “Girl in the Lupine Field” | ArtsEd Washington Award
West Valley High School (Teacher: Rose Honey), West Valley SD, ESD 101 - Samantha Kotulak, “Genderfluid” | InspireWA Award
Glacier Peak High School (Teacher: Christa Mallory), Snohomish SD, ESD 189 - Leila Chavez, “Mt. Tahoma” | PESB Award
Olympia High School (Teacher: Joshua Everson), Olympia SD, ESD 113 - Sidney Phelps, “Anxiety” | SBE Award
South Kitsap High School (Teacher: Donald Sandmann), South Kitsap SD, ESD 114 - Audrey Stenger, “Star Balloons” | WAEA Award
Vancouver School of Arts and Academics (Teacher: Crystal Zeller), Vancouver SD, ESD 112 - Anessa Hanson, “Sunflower Meadow” | WASA Award
Wenatchee High School (Teacher: Reed Carlson), Wenatchee SD, ESD 171 - Moriah Von Behren, “Pride & Unity” | WEA Award
Mt. Spokane High School (Teacher: Angelika Wilson-Kipp), Mead SD, ESD 101 - Ella Sherin, “Traditional and Contemporary Hand Drum” | WSSDA Award
Olympia High School (Teacher: Joshua Everson), Olympia SD, ESD 113 - Isabelle Ehlis, “Botanical Refuge” | CWU Scholars Award
A.C. Davis High School (Teacher: Carole Huls), Yakima SD, ESD 105 - Claira Tuning, “Call for Help” | CWU Scholars Award
Goldendale High School (Teacher: Scott Gray), Goldendale SD, ESD 105
Art Show Honorable Mention Award Recipients
- Sophia Rusk, “Myna Birds” | Honorable Mention Award
Innovation High School (Teacher: Rebecca Silva Clinard), Pride Schools, ESD 101 - Ryan Sanchez, “Carrion” | Honorable Mention Award
Oak Harbor High School (Teacher: Kit Christopherson), Oak Harbor SD, ESD 189 - Fiona Whitaker, “Jewel Chest with Drawer” | Honorable Mention Award
Olympia High School (Teacher: Katie Jahner), Olympia SD, ESD 113 - Malia Ohira, “Solid to the Touch” | Honorable Mention Award
Auburn Riverside High School (Teacher: Kyle Rees), Auburn SD, ESD 121
Jurors’ Choice and Honorable Mention awards were selected by a panel of 16 jurors from across the state, including artists, museum educators, gallery owners, arts administrators, and arts educators.
In addition, the following 13 individuals and organizations chose state winners and honorable mention recipients:
- Superintendent Chris Reykdal
- Governor Jay Inslee
- Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) staff
- Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP)
- ArtsEd Washington
- Inspire Washington
- Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB)
- State Board of Education (SBE)
- Washington Art Education Association (WAEA)
- Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA)
- Washington Education Association (WEA)
- Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA)
In recognition of their artistic excellence, each award recipient will receive $200 along with a special glass trophy designed and made by students with Hilltop Artists in Tacoma and the Rochester High School Career & Technical Education program.
Central Washington University also selected two pieces for their Art & Change Scholarship Award. The artists who created those pieces will receive $2,000 scholarships.
This past fall, high school students were invited to attend a workshop on branding produced by OSPI and the Washington Art Education Association. There, students learned about branding and logos and then developed concepts for a new brand to be unveiled during the 50th Annual Superintendent’s High School Art Show in Spring 2023.
Their concepts were adapted to three new brand identities for the show and are now being put to the public to select from. Take a look at the three brand identities and vote for your favorite. The winner will be unveiled in fall 2022.
