Student artists honored in annual awards

The creative talents of Sisters' students are being honored in the annual Central Oregon Scholastic Art Awards Program. These young artists will have their works on display at an art gallery in Bend this month.

"Sometimes students are surprised to have won an award and are encouraged by that," says Bethany Gunnarson, art teacher at Sisters High School. "And if a student didn't win, they can learn from that experience also by gaining some perspective."

Gunnarson says that in addition to being recognized for their accomplishments, students benefit by learning the process of how to submit artwork to a competition. She says, "That's a valuable skill if they move on to be artists after graduation."

The Central Oregon Scholastic Art Awards Program, which includes Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties, is part of the national Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards. It is the nation's longest-running recognition program for teens in grades seven through 12. Past winners have included Andy Warhol, Stephen King and Zac Posen. Students can enter 29 categories including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics and fashion. A panel of judges adjudicates the submitted artwork without knowing the artists' identity. The program seeks artworks which "demonstrate originality, technical skill, and emergence of a personal voice or vision."

Gold Key award-winners in Oregon move on to national judging. National winners are invited to an awards ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

At Sisters Middle School, Allison Ilmberger won a Gold Key award. Additionally, these middle school students won Silver Key and/or Honorable Mention awards: Stacey Alvarez, Alexis Crain, Nicholas English, Faith Gulick, Merrick Hersom, and Hadley Schar.

At Sisters High School, two students were awarded with two Gold Keys each: Cory Sillers and Tyler Wonderly. Additional Gold Key winners are: Maddison Anderson, Cierra Haken, and Katie Springer. The following high school students won Silver Key and/or Honorable Mention awards: Maddison Anderson, Joelle Asson, Josie Aylor, Mia Burton, Arden Crosier, Engracia Diez, True Duerden, Gretchen Ezell, Elise Ford, Kendall Griffin, Sierra Henneous, Delia Hoyt, McKenna Jones, Sahara Lucas, Shaely Meyer, Austin Pade, Marley Parkins, Conner Petke, Dan Schmidt, Sam Shepardson and Katie Springer.

On Saturday, February 10, at 1 p.m., students, families and art educators meet for an awards ceremony at Central Oregon Community College, Pence Hall and Pinckney Art Gallery. The art will be on exhibit at COCC through February 28.