High School Art Show on Display at the St. Augustine Art Association

Wow! That’s the consensus of visitors who step into the “14th Annual St. Johns County High School Art Show,” on display at the St. Augustine Art Association through March 31. The salon-style exhibition of 150 original works of student art showcases a wide range of media, including photography, paintings, pottery, sculpture, fiber art, drawings and a host of assemblages. Collectively, the exhibit pushes the boundaries of themes like portraiture, nature, social commentary, the environment, identity and diversity in an array of eye-popping styles.

Each local public high school art teacher selected works to include in the exhibit, installed by Rebecca Williams and judged by three art experts: Lenny Foster, photographer and gallery owner; Tripp Harrison, painter and gallery owner; and Sara Alexander, art professor at Florida School of the Arts.

Antonio Scott, Fine Art Curriculum Specialist, and School Board Superintendent Tim Forson announced the award winners at the First Friday Art Walk opening on March 1. The award winning students received cash prizes, certificates and St. Augustine Art Association student memberships. These 25 students were recognized for their outstanding achievement in artistry, craftsmanship and creative innovation:

Best in Show: Layla Slate, St. Augustine High School

Drawing
1st Place: Lizzi Stevens, Nease
2nd Place: Michaela Phelps, Creekside
3rd Place: Hanna Nagengast, Ponte Vedra
Honorable Mention: Michael Sterling, Nease

Painting
1st Place: Lydia Mayhood, St. Augustine High
2nd Place: Makenna Lyons, Bartram Trail
3rd Place: Ayumi Lukevich, Bartram Trail
Honorable Mention: Kayla Walker, Menendez

Digital Art/Photography
1st Place: Emma Smith, Ponte Vedra
2nd Place Rita Bousalham, Bartram Trail
3rd Place: Christian Arbuzov, Ponte Vedra
Honorable Mention: Samantha Fitzgerald, Creekside

Ceramics/Pottery
1st Place: Maria Casiple, Ponte Vedra
2nd Place: Taylor Lych, Bartram Trail
3rd Place: Ethan Cleary, St. Augustine High
Honorable Mention: Ava Rambo, Ponte Vedra

3D/Sculpture
1st Place: Alexis Boicken, Bartram Trail
2nd Place: Hope Manassaram, Creekside
3rd Place: Jalen Germann, Bartram Trail
Honorable Mention: Arianna Mendez, Bartram Trail

Printmaking & Mixed Media
1st Place: Katya Marcia, Creekside
2nd Place: Bethany Joyce, Nease
3rd Place: Ella Jenkins, Ponte Vedra
Honorable Mention: Sarah Baron, Creekside

The long-time partnership with the St. Johns County Public Schools is one of many community outreach programs of the St. Augustine Art Association, which provides free gallery space for the exhibit, staff support, student memberships and discount vouchers for art teachers. High school students reciprocate by volunteering for community service hours in the Association’s Summer Art Camp and other art related activities.

“Watching these young artists develop confidence, skills and a love of art is heartening,” said Elyse Brady, Executive Director. “If this extraordinary exhibit is an indication of the future of the art world, we’re in good hands. And we can thank the parents, teachers and excellent leadership on our School Board for that!”

 

The 14th Annual St. Johns County High School Art Show can be seen at 22 Marine Street. Gallery Hours are noon to 4pm Tuesday – Saturday and 2 to 5pm on Sunday. Admission is free. For information, call (904) 824-2310 or go to www.staaa.org.