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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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…
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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…
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
Title of Art Piece: Rustic Teapot Category: Ceramics Student/Artist’s Name: Ole Schuldt School: West Valley High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: This is a wheel thrown piece that was altered after. Cone 6 fired gray and red clay. Clear glaze on top. Artwork Dimensions: 5×5 Additional Images: Adjudicate Artwork
Title of Art Piece: Violetful Category: Photography Student/Artist’s Name: Sophia Meneses School: Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School Grade: 10th Artist Statement: While capturing this piece of so-called art, what I imagined while taking this photography was something fluid and dreamlike. Where the color purple would blend in together, creating a contrast to feel calm. Though I hope it invites you to pause, and feel the way this photography makes myself feel. Artwork Dimensions: 11"x11" Additional Images: Adjudicate Artwork
Title of Art Piece: Strips Category: Photography Student/Artist’s Name: Marnilyn Sila School: Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School Grade: 10th Artist Statement: To overcome Darkness, you must let Light in. While creating this image, I imagined being in a dark room with light just beyond reach, slowly coming through the blinds. The light represents hope and truth, showing that even in darkness, there is always a way for light to enter if we allow it. Artwork Dimensions: 11"x15" Additional Images: Adjudicate Artwork
Title of Art Piece: Louie Category: Mixed Media Student/Artist’s Name: Andie Campbell School: Service High School Grade: 10th Artist Statement: In this piece, I had fun working with the bright colors of the oil pastels to contrast the difference between Louie’s dark fur and the warm highlights from the sun. This was one of my first pieces using this medium, so I enjoyed experimenting with different layers and blending techniques to make him feel alive. My goal was to capture the unique way Louie’s curiosity shines through his expressions. Artwork Dimensions: 12 x 16 Additional Images: Adjudicate Artwork
Title of Art Piece: One Orange Brain Cell Category: Jewelry / Metalsmithing Student/Artist’s Name: Kristin Hosack School: Service High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: I chose to make a cat-themed piece because I love cats. The colors of brass and copper reminded me of the colors of an orange cat and are what inspired me to make this piece. This pendant represents an important progression of my jewelry skills as my first piece as an advanced jewelry artist. I love this piece and I am very proud of it as an artist. Artwork Dimensions: 3inches high X .75 inches wide Additional Images: Adjudicate Artwork
Title of Art Piece: Sunflowers Hope Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Kyle Pineda School: Service High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: Sunflowers are a symbol of devotion, happiness, and optimism in life. The sunbeam shining on the vividly colored sunflower conveys warmth and comfort, while the dark background symbolizes the limitless difficulties life provides. When you feel as though your life has wandered off into a dark void of hurt and negativity, and you feel completely lost, as though you're only trapped in a fog of your own pessimistic thoughts. It pulls you out as a beam of hope or a guiding light. I wanted the spectator of this painting to experience the warmth and shimmering hope that sunflowers offer, similar to how individuals feel…
Title of Art Piece: The Fear of Flowers Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Marry-Jane Saputski School: Joe Redington Sr. Jr/SR High School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: This is a piece for the fear of Flowers. This piece is to express that flowers are beautiful, but to some people, they look at them and start to get anxiety and feel fear. This piece is made with two canvases, both acrylic, and lots of layering. Artwork Dimensions: 22" high x 13" wide Additional Images: Adjudicate Artwork
Title of Art Piece: Red Reaction Category: Drawing Student/Artist’s Name: Karita Anderson School: Juneau Douglas High School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: Originally, this piece was just supposed to be a silly tomato guy, but as I progressed on it I realized it had turned into something more than that. I always thought it looked funny whenever a man turned bright red when angry and thought of the phrase “As red as a tomato,” so I decided to turn that into a piece of artwork. As I worked on this, it got me thinking about people in power and how many of them are used to having everything handed to them, so whenever something doesn’t go their way, they react to it in an extreme…
Title of Art Piece: Impetus Category: Drawing Student/Artist’s Name: Zeighlah Gunther-Cowles School: West Anchorage High School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: I created this self portrait using black and white charcoal on a large piece of cardboard. I really enjoy using charcoal because of the way it can show dimension and detail, as well as emotion. With charcoal I feel like I can fully show detail and clearly emphasize how I feel with no limits of color. This piece is probably one of my favorites I've ever created; it has strong emotions through the "burning" of the cardboard but yet my face is very softspoken. I chose to call it "Impetus" because it means a driving force. The way im looking into the burns is…
Title of Art Piece: The Many of Me Category: Ceramics Student/Artist’s Name: Anelyn Holland School: Galena City Schools Grade: 10th Artist Statement: My artwork is a clay piece with three depictions of myself standing in a triangle formation wearing different outfits. I began the process of making this piece by sketching my ideas in my sketchbook. Next, I shaped the clay into spheres and cubes. I scored, connected and shaped the clay pieces. After letting the clay dry, I painted it with acrylic paint and finished it with two coats of glaze. I was inspired by the designs of Funko Pops, the different variations of their characters. My goal was to make something that looked like me. I accomplished my goal because you can…
Title of Art Piece: Prince, Bull, Prisoner Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Jayden Hollon School: West Anchorage High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: This piece is meant to explore three aspects of the Minotaur, Prince Asterion, The Bull of Crete, and the Imprisoned Minotaur. Each figure of the Minotaur represents both an identity and a possible outcome of his future. Life in royal luxury, death at the hands of a hero, or slowly drowning in sorrow as he is trapped in the labyrinth. The piece is made with oil paints over acrylic, and contains a pallete of ocher and blue. Artwork Dimensions: 26 inches high x 14 inches wide Additional Images: Adjudicate Artwork
Title of Art Piece: Relaxed Rabbit Category: Printmaking Student/Artist’s Name: Kirra Sweetsir School: Galena City Schools Grade: 10th Artist Statement: My artwork features a rabbit laying on its side. This specific way a rabbit lays down shows that a rabbit is relaxed and comfortable. This is a relief block print. I drew a rabbit laying down and eventually added the design surrounding the rabbit and transferred the art onto my block. I carefully carved my design into the block. Eventually I was ready to print my work on multiple pieces of paper. My artwork was inspired by my own rabbit, who tends to flop on her side like this after I pet her. The designs are inspired by doodles that I often enjoy drawing….
Title of Art Piece: “Motherhood by Choice, Not by Mandate” Category: Communication Arts / Graphic Design Student/Artist’s Name: Kat (Kathryn) Cooke School: South Anchorage High School Grade: 10th Artist Statement: Women have been mistreated and limited for years. Abortion is a right to healthcare; it should not be seen as right or wrong, but as a necessity. One of the counterarguments to this right is to not have sex if one does not want to be pregnant, but the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists found that one quarter of adolescent females report their abusive male partners were trying to get them pregnant. Females need the option to terminate a pregnancy, especially if it was a violation of her rights. Women are not incubators…
Title of Art Piece: Deneege Netl’-aanh Category: Multicultural Art Student/Artist’s Name: Hazel Strassburg School: Galena City Schools Grade: 9th Artist Statement: My artwork is a painting of a cow and calf moose walking on the riverbank in the winter. The title of it is "Deneege Netl-'aanh" which means "I see a moose" in Denaakk'e. The material I used was watercolor paint. My inspiration was just seeing moose walking about in the winteritme. Artwork Dimensions: 9 x 12 in Additional Images: Adjudicate Artwork
Title of Art Piece: Sandra Bloome Category: Communication Arts / Graphic Design Student/Artist’s Name: Lizzy (Elizabeth) Ekstrom School: South Anchorage High School Grade: 10th Artist Statement: The intention of this project was to design a character that could potentially be used for an animated film, book series, or tv show. Inspiration for this character came from my love of nature in Alaska. I wanted to incorporate my love of plant life in Alaska with a kind of superpower. From this I made a magic sketchbook. I have a nature journaling watercolor kit that I have brought with me in most of my travels, like Blackstone Bay, Seldovia, and Flattop. I also have long been interested in the restoration of native plant populations in Alaska….
Title of Art Piece: Gerome-Fitze Winchester Category: Communication Arts / Graphic Design Student/Artist’s Name: Audrey Miranda School: South Anchorage High School Grade: 9th Artist Statement: This piece was created in alcohol ink for the purpose of a character concept idea for a possible novel, animated tv show, or maybe a picture book. The inspiration for him was from a children's depiction of a cowfolk but a little more mature. His character is meant to be a sort of flamboyant ignorant type who really only cares about how he looks. He cannot actually use his guns yet has a way with words. I never had any plan to use his character so I hope someone could take inspiration and use him in their own works….
Title of Art Piece: Alaska’s Antler Category: Multicultural Art Student/Artist’s Name: Madelaina Pilot School: Galena City Schools Grade: 10th Artist Statement: My piece shows a moose antler with various Alaska related symbols and objects. I used acrylic paint on a Masonite board. I was inspired by the Alaskan artist Crystal Worl, and how she represents her culture in her artwork. I incorporated items that represent my Koyukon Athabascan culture in “Alaska’s Antler”. Artwork Dimensions: 12 x 14 Additional Images: Adjudicate Artwork
Title of Art Piece: The Little Things I Do with My Mom Category: Drawing Student/Artist’s Name: Grace Scott School: South Anchorage High School Grade: 9th Artist Statement: This piece is created in graphite. It is a still life of objects that my family collects for Christmas. Artwork Dimensions: 9" high x 12" wide Additional Images: Adjudicate Artwork
Title of Art Piece: Before I Commit Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Maria Nafzger School: South Anchorage High School Grade: 9th Artist Statement: This piece is created using acrylic paint depicting the myth of Persephone and the pomegranate. Artwork Dimensions: 10" high x 8" wide Additional Images: Adjudicate Artwork
Title of Art Piece: Two Ravens Category: Printmaking Student/Artist’s Name: Kirra Sweetsir School: Galena City Schools Grade: 10th Artist Statement: This print shows two ravens looking at each other from separate trees whose branches are starting to become intertwined. This symbolizes meeting someone and getting closer to them. The more you know them, the stronger your bond gets, which is why the branches start intertwining. My artwork medium for this piece is relief printmaking on linoleum block. I started with a sketch, and before I finished it, I transferred it to the block and then finished the drawing right on the block. Carving everything out took a long time, but all the time was work it. A friend gave me an idea for this art…
Title of Art Piece: Eye Am Alaska Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Claire Schneider School: Juneau Douglas High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: Eye am Alaska reflects my connection to the wildlife and landscapes that shape my identity, using three distinct animal eyes to represent the diversity, resilience, and spirit of the place I call home. Each eye captures a different way of seeing the world—ocean, forest, and land—mirroring the environments that define Alaska’s character and my own experiences growing up here. By focusing on close‑up detail and bold color, I wanted to show how every creature carries a story, and how those stories overlap with my own sense of belonging. This piece is both a tribute to the animals that surround us and a…
Title of Art Piece: Tell the Wasp Category: Jewelry / Metalsmithing Student/Artist’s Name: Riley Baski School: West Anchorage High School Grade: 10th Artist Statement: I made this piece based on the Scottish practice of beekeepers telling the bees hive by hive about major events like death. This was done because bees were seen as messengers to the deceased. I exemplified this by merging the depiction of The Reaper first found in art after the Bubonic plague with this Celtic association with bees and the great beyond. I transferred my design to the copper using embossing and repoussé. I gave it a patina by heating the metal with a hot plate. To highlight the scythe I created a pale blue and the blue is a…