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: 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…
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
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
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…
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
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:…
Title of Art Piece: Begin Again Category: Sculpture Student/Artist’s Name: Annabella – Preferred Name: Nicky Cannon School: Wasilla High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: My work “Begin Again” depicts a desert with a lone cactus is meant to symbolize the way you feel beginning a project and once again looking back on the horizon to see what you’ve accomplished. While you sit and traverse through each thought, the drag can feel unbearable– but the more you continue, the more it becomes something to admire and to acknowledge as a process you were lucky enough to bask in. Each step, you grow and absorb. Much like the cactus, the process of growth you may not be able to see with the naked eye– But that…