Kent State University at Stark is proud to again host the annual Northeast Central Ohio Scholastic Art Exhibit and Awards Ceremony, said Jack McWhorter, Ph.D., associate professor of art and regional affiliate coordinator of the competition.
“The best way to characterize this event is it truly sets the standard for work at the high school and middle school levels,” McWhorter explained.
The Scholastic Art Exhibition, in its 64th year, features more than 400 pieces of artwork from middle and high school students, representing districts in Stark, Summit, Portage, Wayne, Tuscarawas and Medina counties. The artwork will be on display through Thursday, Feb. 1, at the Fine Arts Gallery and Lobby, Campus Center and Main Hall Art Gallery, located at Kent State Stark, 6000 Frank Ave. NW.
The buildings will be open Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. A regional awards ceremony for students and their families will take place on Saturday, Jan. 27, in the Kent State Stark Conference Center.
The Stark Campus is one of 90 regional partners that sponsor the local awards program. Middle and high school art and photography students will receive Silver and Gold Key awards for their efforts. Several special awards, including the American Vision awards, also will be presented.
The artwork of Gold Key winners, American Vision and portfolio recipients will be forwarded to the national level in New York City. Winners will be announced at the National Student Art Exhibition of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in June. Students will be notified if their work has been selected.
“This is a strong competition, and it’s not just a local thing. It’s a national thing,” said Jill Balderson, co-chair of the regional event and Plain Local Schools representative. “We are happy to be involved and provide this opportunity for our students.”
Three students in GlenOak High School’s commercial photography program have earned the top award – the Gold Key Portfolio Award. They are: Jennifer Greathouse, Lake High School; Nalyn Schell, Perry High School; and Isabella Victory, GlenOak High School. Other recipients of the top honor include: Allyson Carver, Buckeye High School; Tyler Glasenapp, Medina High School; Lara Ketonen, Aurora High School; Isabella Kobak, Firestone High School; Madeline Shaub, Jackson High School; Emily Shonk, Indian Valley High School; Ray Stewart, Firestone High School; and Camille Volk, Revere High School.
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards are the largest, longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative young people in the United States.