The level of artistic talent in our area is astounding. Some of that flair will be highlighted during the upcoming Juried High School Art Show. The annual art show sponsored by Lanesboro Arts is an event which is positive and supportive in many ways for the young student artists.
The Juried High School Art Show will take place from January 11 through February 2, 2025, at the Lanesboro Arts Gallery in Lanesboro, Minn., with an opening reception on January 11 from 5-7 p.m.
“Lanesboro Arts is beyond proud to invest in the creativity of local youth through all of our educational programs, especially the High School Art Show! These are the out-of-the-box creators and problem solvers of tomorrow – it seems only natural to showcase their artwork in the Gallery, where it can be shared with the wider community. We hope this show is an opportunity for students to take pride in their skills and for visitors to celebrate the meaningful impact of the arts in our schools,” commented Kara Maloney, executive director of Lanesboro Arts.
The art show will be featuring artwork from grades 9-12 and will include pieces from students at Fillmore Central, Chatfield, Lanesboro and Rushford-Peterson schools.
Entries will be diverse and will range from photographs, drawings, paintings, mixed media, digital art and more.
Kayleigh Wangen, a senior at Lanesboro High School is excited to enter her first piece of artwork in the Juried High School Art Show.
Wangen’s piece is an acrylic painting that took her approximately a month to complete. Wangen describes the painting as “a tiger in a swampy, lagoon-looking place with lily pads around it.” She chose very impactful colors for the painting.
“This is the first final piece I am proud of,” explained Wangen, which is why she decided to enter the painting in the art show after it was suggested. Wangen enjoys art so much that this year she is taking three art classes at Lanesboro High School.
Riley Johnson, also a senior at Lanesboro High School, has had her artwork included in art shows in the past and has more than one piece in this year’s Juried High School Art Show.
Johnson’s first piece is a watercolor print of a Puffin which is titled “Poofin,” and the second is a still life drawing.
“My parents like to joke that I have been interested in art since I was little and they have no idea where the artistic abilities come from,” joked Johnson.
The art teachers at our area schools are very appreciated and respected by their students. These individuals spark creativity in their students that otherwise may not have been discovered.
Johnson speaks very highly of Lanesboro High School art teacher Stena Lieb, saying she goes above and beyond for her students. “She is a great art teacher because she is actually willing to invest in unique art materials in order to teach kids.”
“I think it is really important for them to gain some self-confidence in their artwork. Especially because it’s one thing having their artwork in the halls of the school, but it’s completely different when it’s out in the community and everybody can see it,” noted Lieb.
“The Juried High School Art Show at Lanesboro Arts is beneficial to the students on many levels. For many, this is the first time seeing their work in a professional art gallery. It gives students not only a sense of pride to see their work displayed alongside other incredible student artists in the area, but it also gives them a sense of validity about their talents,” stated Abbey Potter, art teacher at Chatfield Public Schools.
“When students attend the opening reception they have the opportunity to speak with other students, as well as adults in the arts, about their work. Through interactions and opportunities like this, they begin to view themselves as less of a student taking an art class, and more as a student artist. We have some incredible student artists at Chatfield High School, I’m thankful for Lanesboro Arts for putting together this wonderful show year after year,” explained Potter.
Lanesboro Arts is open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on the High School Juried Art Show or if you have any questions, please visit lanesboroarts.org or phone 507-467-2446.
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