Washington students make state art shows

WASHINGTON — Statewide art shows recently announced the acceptance of several Washington students’ submissions for displays in Des Moines, including some in the Governor’s office.

Youth Art Month Coordinator and Washington Middle School Art Teacher Erin Almelien said the pieces were currently on display at the Jordan Creek Mall in Des Moines, where they will remain until March 25. Others are placed in the Governor’s Art Show, also in Des Moines.

Washington High School Art Teacher Julie Murphy said it was a good experience for the students.

“As an art teacher, I think the Youth Art Month shows in Des Moines shine a light on the work of students who think outside of the box, create art as a way to express themselves and often enjoy the art-making process as a way to alleviate stress,” she said. “These are all important skills to be celebrated as they can be used throughout their lives.”

Students said they were proud to have their work selected in the statewide contests.

"I was surprised and honored to have two of my photos selected for the shows,“ said Makayla Fonseca, whose photograph, ”Graffiti Alleyway“ is in the Governor’s show with another, titled ”Doorway Graffiti“ is in the Youth Art Month display. ”My friends and family are excited and proud to see me get recognized for my creativity and passion for art and photography. I am looking forward to the meet & greet with the governor and a tour of the State Capitol Building later this month."

Mikaila Matheson’s charcoal drawings “Isn’t it Lovely?” and “Hoyeon Jung” were both selected for the Youth Art Month show. She said the pieces used the darker medium to capture serious emotional tones, and was pleased to see them featured.

“Isn’t it Lovely?” specifically, is based on a dance of the same name, another art form Matheson practices in.

“I love the choreography of that, and I really wanted to put that in my art,” she said. “I’m really happy that it ended up there, and it’s a really surreal type of deal. I love sharing my art with the community, but its really nice to get it out there and see what other people think about it.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com