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WMU artwork recognized for Youth Art Month
WMU Students showcased in statewide youth art exhibit; Kann Earns honorable mention
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DES MOINES — Art students from Winfield-Mount Union High School (WMU) stepped into the spotlight in March as their work was selected for the Youth Art Month (YAM) exhibit hosted by the Art Educators of Iowa (AEI) and the Iowa Arts Council. Out of hundreds of student submissions from across the state, WMU juniors Brynn Pogmore, Piper Faler, and Ella Kann were chosen to represent their school at the statewide exhibit, held at Jordan Creek Mall in Des Moines throughout the month.
This year’s Youth Art Month theme, “Healing through Color,” challenged students to explore the therapeutic and expressive power of visual art. The juried show celebrates not only artistic excellence, but also the role of art in education and student well-being. According to AEI, the annual exhibit is a platform for students’ work to be seen by a wider audience and recognized at the state level, with some pieces going on to be displayed at the Iowa Governor’s Show or even nationally at the National Art Education Association (NAEA) convention.
“Youth Art Month is a statewide celebration and exhibit of student artwork,” AEI stated. “Winning artwork pieces are displayed at the Iowa YAM Show, Iowa Governor's Show, and at NAEA in the Youth Art Month Museum. There are also prize categories sponsored by art vendors.”
WMU art teacher Elizabeth Schoening submitted pieces to the AEI Winter Board in January and three students’ work stood out earning them a spot in the Des Moines show.
“I am so proud of each of these amazing young artists and am proud to call them my students,” Schoening said.
Each piece varied in medium and subject matter.
Brynn Pogmore submitted a digital work titled Cyanocitta Cristata (Latin for Blue Jay), measuring 8 by 8 inches.
Piper Faler entered a 15 by 20-inch coffee painting titled The Glowing Truth.
Ella Kann's 11 by 14-inch colored pencil piece, Magnified.
“Ella got an honorable mention and gift certificate prize, which was pretty awesome,” Lindsey Pogmore, WMU Music Director and mother of Brynn.
Kann was awarded a $25 gift card to Blick Art Materials for her accomplishment. She and her classmates attended the YAM awards reception on March 29, joining other student artists from across the state to celebrate their creative achievements.
“It was a cool new opportunity for us to see other art happening around the state and to have the opportunity for some WMU kids to be recognized,” Lindsey Pogmore added. “Sports get a lot of press and recognition, so when other efforts like art have a moment in the spotlight, it's that much sweeter, I think.”
The YAM exhibit featured over 150 student works, selected from more than 500 submissions by a panel of judges at AEI’s winter board meeting. AEI emphasized that every teacher who submits artwork is guaranteed at least one piece in the show, making it an inclusive and inspiring opportunity for young artists statewide.
The artistic momentum didn’t stop in Des Moines. On March 30, WMU students also participated in the Keokuk Community Fine Arts Council Art Show, where they again earned accolades. Ella Kann placed second in painting for a flower-themed pointillism piece, while Jada Moat won second place in 3D art for her abstract sculpture. Both students were awarded $100 Visa gift cards.
“Their hard work played a key role in their success,” said Schoening, emphasizing the commitment and creativity her students bring to their work.
Looking ahead, Schoening plans to continue cultivating a love for art in her students not only with projects in the classroom and art club, but also beyond. All four award-winning students, Kann, Pogmore, Faler, and Moat, are active members of the WMU Art Club and are working together with Schoening to fundraise and plan an educational trip to St. Louis this April. On the trip students will explore culture and art while further building relationships with one another.
With statewide recognition and community honors under their belts, these young artists are a testament to the value of arts education and the opportunities it opens. Whether using digital tools, unconventional materials like coffee, or traditional pencil shading techniques, the students of WMU are proving that art is not just a hobby — it’s a form of expression worthy of celebration.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
