Artwork of local high schoolers on display

Southeast Missouri State University's art department kicked off its annual high school art exhibition on Sunday, Feb. 12, at Crisp Museum. This 39th Exhibiting Excellence event is an opportunity to enjoy the artwork of our local talented youth until March 19.

From 350 entries, a juror selected 110 pieces submitted by high school juniors and seniors for the exhibit. Criteria included "self-expression, technical skill and risk-taking," according to the Southeast Missourian's Marybeth Niederkorn.

"I was moved by the art that sensitively referenced the natural ecological world, and the too-often marginalized art such as textile arts, and overlooked Native American histories," Barbara Bickel, associate professor of art education at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale who served as a judge, said.

Carol Horst has directed the exhibition for nine years. Among other things, she loves the diversity of students' work and how it changes year to year. She added that the artwork portrays what they are "experiencing in their lives," calling it "the best part of the exhibit."

The teachers are proud of their students as well, and in some cases, gave them ideas for the artwork they submitted. Christy Moore of Saxony Lutheran High School highlighted that two of the pieces from her students were accepted out of seven that were submitted. Those artists are Alexis Goodson and Rachel Wichern, and Moore praised their "pride in their community," which manifests itself in their creations.

The artists themselves are the real story, of course, and are excited about their work being chosen for the exhibition, as they should be.

Emily Harris, for example, won first place in fibers for her "Invasive" piece, based on the velvetleaf plant.

Lexi Hennecke took third place in fibers. Her "Cavallo di Colore" was inspired by the love she has for horses.

Students acknowledged their teachers' guidance, discussed how a selected piece became one of [their] favorite" and described the process as "hard work." We applaud them for their efforts and success.

An array of themes and emotions can be found in Southeast's Crisp Museum. Bickel said, "We are in need of humor as well as serious thought in these times," so she looked for both. Surreal, abstract and hard realism are represented. The Southeast Missourian reported that traditionalists will be satisfied with collage and batik formats, and modern art enthusiasts will enjoy the digital artwork.

Reading about it is interesting, but seeing the artwork in person is a must. To fully appreciate the talent that is right here amongst our very own, please stop by and show your support for our local artists. Who knows? You may be one of the first to witness the work of a future Picasso or Rembrandt.