Author: ASAA

  • Temperate Glacier

      Title of Art Piece: Temperate Glacier Category: Photography Student/Artist’s Name: Kristine Laxa School: West Anchorage High School Grade: 9th Artist Statement: My artwork is a double exposure photograph. It shows Matanuska Glacier and a picture of my mom. I wanted to aim for a cold, calm mood while also representing endurance of long-lasting strength. I learned that this technique takes a lot of patience because of editing the photos and merging them together. Artwork Dimensions: 10 Inches High x 8 Inches Wide   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Turtles

    Title of Art Piece: Turtles Category: Sculpture Student/Artist’s Name: Aaliyah Alexander School: Kenny Lake School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: What inspired me to make this project was my family. My brother recently had a baby girl, which officially makes me an aunt. My sister-in-law loves turtles, and I decided to make them for her family. She has a daughter as well, and I couldn’t be happier to become her aunt as well. Artwork Dimensions: 6 in long x 3 1/2in wide x 2in tall, 5 x 4 1/2 x 1, 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 1, 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 3/4 Additional Images: 2. Third Photo Adjudicate Artwork

  • Aquarium

      Title of Art Piece: Aquarium Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Ivy Suoja School: Service High School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: This piece is made with ink, watercolor, and acrylic. I used gyotaku fish molds and printed onto the paper, then watercolor and acrylic to create the portrait. This piece shows human's desire to connect with nature. I like how the fish and person share the same eye. Artwork Dimensions: 8 inches wide x 10 inches tall   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Portrait of Dasha and Sasha

      Title of Art Piece: Portrait of Dasha and Sasha Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Dariia Bondarenko School: Service High School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: Sasha and I are both from Urkraine and became friends in Anchorage, Alaska. I made this painting because it shows realism in watercolors. I have been working on portraiture this year and water colors. I like this painting because of the technique and colors. Artwork Dimensions: 14 inches tall by 11 inches wide   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Beneath the Stillness

      Title of Art Piece: Beneath the Stillness Category: Sculpture Student/Artist’s Name: Alannah King School: West Anchorage High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: This piece was hand-built and was started using a solid piece of clay. After loosely forming the facial features, it was cut open and hollowed out, later refining the facial features one by one. It is meant to show intense emotion, specifically anger hidden within quietness, through a calm face surrounded by snakes. Inspired by Medusa, the snakes reflect inner conflict, acting as both a protective barrier and a source of fear, representing the chaos of suppressed anger. What is first looked at as intimidating, is now viewed as protective. The snakes represent inner conflict, being both protective and dangerous. The color…

  • Reginald

      Title of Art Piece: Reginald Category: Sculpture Student/Artist’s Name: Charlotte-Joy Marciales School: Palmer High School Grade: 9th Artist Statement: I've always loved Muppets and have never created one. I asked to create a Muppet for my 3D survey class, for a beginning sculpture project and I came up with the idea of Reginald. I learned a lot in the process including best foam to use, glue that allows flexibility and hand sewing techniques. I am really pleased with how it turned out and would like to create more so I could put on a show. His personality really came to life as I added the shirt, hair and mustache. It was a fun process. Artwork Dimensions: 18 inches high x 8 inches wide x…

  • Our Field

      Title of Art Piece: Our Field Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Claire Jong School: West Anchorage High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: Our Field is an acrylic painting which explores the theme of tobacco farmers losing the rights to their own work and being forced to hand over everything they cultivate. The red and blue features throughout the piece tie back to traditional and modern clothes commonly seen in Meinong, Taiwan. The main subject shows a hand holding tobacco and being forced to hand it over to the dictatorial KMT government while at the same time being restrained, showing the restrictions farmers felt. Artwork Dimensions: 20 inches tall X 15 inches wide   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Sunrise Drive

      Title of Art Piece: Sunrise Drive Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Scout (Frances) Gramse School: West Anchorage High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: This plaster and acrylic tondo represents the fleeting feelings of childhood and the duality within the want to grow up. The strong leading lines draw the viewer into the piece, creating the sense that the viewpoint is guiding the child down the sidewalk. The small child represents the naive hope in maturity and the aspiration to find freedom in age. This contrasts the harsh reality of coming of age, and the eventual realization that being young is the only time one will feel true freedom. Artwork Dimensions: 16" height x 16 inches wide X 1/2 deep   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Familiarity

      Title of Art Piece: Familiarity Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Aether Moxey School: West Anchorage High School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: Familiarity was created out of the want to represent my childhood with a landmark that is still present today, the Inlet Tower. My childhood home, a little cabin with a huge backyard in the heart of Downtown Anchorage, was destroyed in 2018 and replaced with a four-plex. I grew up walking to and from school every day with the tower in my view, saw this building throughout the destruction and my parents' divorce, and now it stands tall out the window of my Dad's condo that has been passed down throughout generations. I accidentally captured the reference for this painting by taking a photo…

  • Crimson Flowers

      Title of Art Piece: Crimson Flowers Category: Jewelry / Metalsmithing Student/Artist’s Name: Isabella Lopez School: Service High School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: In my art I like to experiment with the pieces I make. I like to express myself in different ways and create things that are one of a kind. I made a flower with a crimson red bezel in the center. The bezel in the middle catches your eye and is the first thing you see so I wanted it to draw the person into the center of the flower.  Artwork Dimensions: 1 3/4 inch height 1 3/4 inch width   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • 500 Miles

      Title of Art Piece: 500 Miles Category: Communication Arts / Graphic Design Student/Artist’s Name: Athena Vallada School: West Anchorage High School Grade: 10th Artist Statement: Rather than celebrating the wonders of the Western World, the impact of European settlers has taken more than just the Natives of Alaska’s land. They took lives, children, and all sense of identity. For nearly a hundred years the Native Americans of our state have been working relentlessly to regain the culture they once lost.My main subject is a Native Alaskan woman, looking into the sunrise. Looking forward to the new day represents the bright futures of the current generation of Native Alaskans, fitting right between cultural identity and the voices of today. Long, flowing hair in Indigenous communities…

  • Generational Links

      Title of Art Piece: Generational Links Category: Multicultural Art Student/Artist’s Name: Miley Kakaruk School: West Anchorage High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: Ivory story bracelets are believed to have originated in Shishmaref, Alaska in the 1920’s. This ceramic piece is an enlarged sculptural interpretation. Every other panel depicts a scene from life in the Arctic. The NYO event being represented is the One-Foot High Kick, which was used as a form of communication; a whaling crew sets out in search of a whale. The hunt was successful and the villages’ highest kicker is sent to a viewing spot to signal the village that the crew needs help pulling in the whale. Artwork Dimensions: 11" inches wide x 11 "inches deep x 3.5 inches tall…

  • Equality and Curiosity

      Title of Art Piece: Equality and Curiosity Category: Mixed Media Student/Artist’s Name: Daton Huntington School: Galena City Schools Grade: 10th Artist Statement: My artwork is a drawing of two young men walking from a city under night and day skies, in a grass field. The materials used to make this piece were pencil, colored pencil, oil pastels, and pen and ink. I was inspired by the idea of equality of day and night, and by anime style. Artwork Dimensions: 9 x 12   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Oh Deer!

    Title of Art Piece: Oh Deer! Category: Mixed Media Student/Artist’s Name: Kaleena Mendoza School: West Valley High School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: This is a glass mosaic on wood panel. I had fun making it and it took about two and half months to complete. I really enjoy working with glass. Artwork Dimensions: 11×7 Adjudicate Artwork

  • Mule

    Title of Art Piece: Mule Category: Drawing Student/Artist’s Name: Hunter Buchert School: Kenny Lake School Grade: 10th Artist Statement: I like horses but mules are cooler, so I drew a mule. Artwork Dimensions: 16.5in x 11.5in Additional Images: Adjudicate Artwork

  • Resilience

    Title of Art Piece: Resilience Category: Drawing Student/Artist’s Name: Sylvia Nelson School: Kenny Lake School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: I was inspired by the beauty of the maternal bond between humpback whales and their calves, as well as their resilience during their long journey from Alaska to Hawaii. They hold distinct cultural and biological roles in both, seemingly completely different regions. Artwork Dimensions: 15.5in x 11.5in Additional Images: Adjudicate Artwork

  • The Part of me I Carry

      Title of Art Piece: The Part of me I Carry Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Aleilum Kendall School: Wasilla High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: My painting depicts me as my younger self, holding the stuffed bear I carried throughout my early childhood. I used watercolor to create soft, yet vibrant tones that reflect the warmth and energy of youth. The bright yellow and red variations emphasize the bear as the focal point, symbolizing comfort, peace, and security. The soft pinks and purples in the clothing and background generate a sense of innocence and nostalgia tied to childhood memories. Through this piece, I wanted to capture not just how I looked holding my bear but also how I felt, safe, happy, and warm Artwork Dimensions:…

  • Alone in the Crowd

      Title of Art Piece: Alone in the Crowd Category: Mixed Media Student/Artist’s Name: Kaitlyn Prink School: Wasilla High School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: My work showcases a person who feels disconnected from their surroundings, the feeling of being alone despite having so much commotion around. This is a great example of how I love depicting situations or feelings in my art, I feel like it gives the art more meaning and connection to the people experiencing it. This art piece ais also an example of my weaknesses in commitment when it comes to perfectionism. The colors are drawn out and light, giving it an airy feeling of being incomplete. Artwork Dimensions: 12" Wide x 12" High   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Protected Curls

      Title of Art Piece: Protected Curls Category: Drawing Student/Artist’s Name: Taylor Coady School: Wasilla High School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: My artwork is about showing the importance of protective hairstyles for curly hair> For me, most commonly this is braids. I was inspired to create this piece because I love wearing my hair in braids to keep it tidy. In this piece, I used colored pencils and a white paint pen for highlights to show the small details of the hair and braided strands. It includes a self portrait of myself wearing two braids in a bright green shirt. There is also a slight pink outline to highlight the piece. This artwork represents the feeling of taming my hair. Artwork Dimensions: 8" Wide x…

  • Bloom

      Title of Art Piece: Bloom Category: Mixed Media Student/Artist’s Name: McKinleigh Wood School: Wasilla High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: With Bloom, I wanted to showcase symbolism and connection. The telephone wire symbolizes the connection we all have with each other, going off far into the unseeable distance. So do the stars on everyone's faces other than the face of the main subject. They have all connected with each other, but they're not intentionally avoiding her. She just hasn't connected with them yet. I also wanted to display a mix between watercolors, acrylic, and differing amounts of detail so the main points of the drawing really stand out from the rest. Artwork Dimensions: 8" High x 12" Wide   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Scraps

      Title of Art Piece: Scraps Category: Sculpture Student/Artist’s Name: Zoe Johnson School: Wasilla High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: In my piece entitled, Scraps I built a bear sculpture containing many components. My goal was to convey how art doesn't have to be intimidating or require expensive material. In the artwork I showcase the beauty in making art with objects that often go overlooked. Artwork Dimensions: 6" High x 8" Wide   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Three Whiskers

      Title of Art Piece: Three Whiskers Category: Sculpture Student/Artist’s Name: Isis Kocean School: Wasilla High School Grade: 10th Artist Statement: My artwork showcases the feeling of nostalgia and chaos. It captures specific things from childhood with a twisted form. I draw many famous cartoon figures from shows in the 2000s, most of which touched with the chaotic realness of day to day life. I often decide to depict these characters in situations that people who grew up watching them are involved in. These touches of realistic darkness mixing with nostalgia is what makes my art mine. It gives it a feeling of a lived life or someone going through something. As I grow older I try to turn away from the nostalgic figures but…

  • Panda

      Title of Art Piece: Panda Category: Sculpture Student/Artist’s Name: Tayla McKenzie-Cole School: Wasilla High School Grade: 9th Artist Statement: I believe that to make art it takes time, patience, and willingness to create something with your own two hands. I enjoy art whether its an utter failure or looking at the finished piece, they both give valuable experience in life Artwork Dimensions: 8.5" Wide x 8.5" Tall   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Blue Flower

      Title of Art Piece: Blue Flower Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Juliet Scudder School: Kenny Lake School Grade: 10th Artist Statement: I really liked the colors and the blue was a nice contrast to the red. Artwork Dimensions: 8in high x 10in wide   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Mort

      Title of Art Piece: Mort Category: Drawing Student/Artist’s Name: Miya Hammons School: Kenny Lake School Grade: 10th Artist Statement: Mort. that is all. Mort from the Madagascar movies. He is perfection. Artwork Dimensions: 14 1/2 in wide x 11 1/2 in high   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • The City of Little Mamas

      Title of Art Piece: The City of Little Mamas Category: Drawing Student/Artist’s Name: Elijah Ketcham School: Kenny Lake School Grade: 9th Artist Statement: Lil Mamas was one of the few dogs that I've owned.I drew Lil Mamas for memory of my dog, I think of her a lot and we couldn't keep her. Artwork Dimensions: 12 in wide x 9 inches high   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • The Sway

      Title of Art Piece: The Sway Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Hannah Nelson School: Kenny Lake School Grade: 10th Artist Statement: Watching the trees on a windy day. Artwork Dimensions: 8 in high x 10 in wide   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Hello Kitty

      Title of Art Piece: Hello Kitty Category: Ceramics Student/Artist’s Name: Anthoney Stevens Slocum School: Kenny Lake School Grade: 10th Artist Statement: I like Hello Kitty and the design seemed distinctive. Artwork Dimensions: 7 1/2 inches in circumference   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Flower Power

      Title of Art Piece: Flower Power Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Layla Shangin-Kosbruk School: Kenny Lake School Grade: 10th Artist Statement: These are my favorite colors. Artwork Dimensions: 8 in high x 10 in wide   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Prehistoric

      Title of Art Piece: Prehistoric Category: Ceramics Student/Artist’s Name: Emily Tibor School: Service High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: I made a set of cups thrown on the wheel. The earthen colored clay is meant to represent the sturdy ground I live on. The print is inspired by stone paintings from long ago and ancient caves. Ceramics have been with humans for thousands and thousands of years. This piece recognizes that history. Artwork Dimensions: 6 inches high by 4 iches deep   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Bones

      Title of Art Piece: Bones Category: Ceramics Student/Artist’s Name: Keira Brandon School: Service High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: Bones are rigid and unmoving while the body is ever changing and fluid. I wanted to represent this through my ceramics. I created different bones and displayed them in a mobile. The bones are constantly in motion, always moving, but never changing their form. I combined basic wood working with my beading tradition. The bones are also layered with ink. I bought a cracking mid fire glaze. After the glaze firing, I sponged ink into the cracks to reveal them more. The colors are black and white, creating a stunning and bold scuplture. Artwork Dimensions: 24 inches tall by 6 inches wide by 6 inches…

  • Berry Delicious

      Title of Art Piece: Berry Delicious Category: Ceramics Student/Artist’s Name: Justin Dulatre School: Service High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: I created a functional berry basket and strainer set inspired by the natural environment and traditions of Alaska. Berry picking is an important activity in many Alaskan communities, connecting people to the land, the seasons, and the cultural practices that been passed down through generations. I wanted my work to reflect both the beauty and the usefulness of that experience. Artwork Dimensions: 6 inches by 6 inches by 6 inches   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Brighter

      Title of Art Piece: Brighter Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Abigail Bettisworth School: West Valley High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: I was inspired by the shape of the ram's horns. It was cold and dark when I painted it and the color palette evolved into something bright and cheery. The medium is gouache. Artwork Dimensions: 12 x 10   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Arvan

      Title of Art Piece: Arvan Category: Ceramics Student/Artist’s Name: Mary Stordahl School: West Valley High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: Wheel thrown, textured, cone 6 glaze fired. I enjoyed doing the texture on this piece. Artwork Dimensions: 10×11   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Midnight Sun

      Title of Art Piece: Midnight Sun Category: Ceramics Student/Artist’s Name: Wilson Rasic School: West Valley High School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: Wheel thrown in pieces and assembled. Cone 6 clay, painted. I was interested in larger scale forms which must be assembled after firing due to the size of the school kilns. Artwork Dimensions: 45 x 13   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Ladybug on the Field

      Title of Art Piece: Ladybug on the Field Category: Mixed Media Student/Artist’s Name: Ryann Saupe School: Service High School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: I wanted to make a piece that had a calm and nostalgic vibe. I also wanted it to include lots of flowers to add that pop of color. Ladybugs have always been special to me, when I was little I would see them on hikes or at the park and hold them until they flew away. I used oil pastels for this piece. Artwork Dimensions: 12 x 16   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Theological Shelves

      Title of Art Piece: Theological Shelves Category: Drawing Student/Artist’s Name: Gus Johns School: West Valley High School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: This is a detailed pencil drawing of shelves at home. I was inspired by the everyday aspect of the image and wanted to capture it in a drawing. Artwork Dimensions: 11 x 9   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Fairy Amidst the Night Dew

      Title of Art Piece: Fairy Amidst the Night Dew Category: Mixed Media Student/Artist’s Name: Ryann Saupe School: Service High School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: I was inspired to make this piece because I’ve always loved the mysterious and magical aspects of life. I wanted to create a piece that felt unreal and magic. I chose to do a fairy because they are so mystical and magical. This piece is multi-media; I used acrylic, colored pencils, and a gel pen for the last touches. Artwork Dimensions: 12 x 16   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Justice For All

      Title of Art Piece: Justice For All Category: Drawing Student/Artist’s Name: Attia Braham School: Service High School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: The piece “Justice For All” was inspired by the hardships faced by minorities and women alike. The name of the piece is a play on the pledge of allegiance as it is stated in the pledge “with liberty and justice for all” the end of the pledge saying that justice is for all has an ironic twist to it with what one might feel about being in the nation. The woman holding the flag having her mouth and eyes covered yet her ears open shows the suppression in which many might feel while being forced to listen with having no voice or views…

  • Sunset Spiral

      Title of Art Piece: Sunset Spiral Category: Drawing Student/Artist’s Name: Camille Russell-Lew School: West Valley High School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: I wanted to capture my dog's playful energy. To accomplish this I utilized different mediums and textures to emphasize the contrast between her and the blanket she was laying on. Artwork Dimensions: 10 x 14   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork