Scholastic Art Awards

(Left to Right) Winners of the American Vision award are Reanne Lee, “Massai Woman” and Jenny Allison, “Shattered.” The writing is on the wall… next to award-winning artwork by Stanwood High School (SHS) students, that is.

Jenny Allison and Reanne Lee won American Vision best of show awards in the Scholastic Art Awards of 2010, presented by Arts Council of Snohomish County.

Only five best of show winners are chosen out of 500 entries, said their teacher, Gail Merrick.

Allison, a junior, won for her image “Shattered.” She created the piece using colored pencil on black paper. Gel pens provided highlights.

Lee, a senior, won for her collage “Massai Woman.”

“Reanne has participated in this program throughout her high school career,” said Merrick. “Winning the top award in her senior year is great.”

Gold Key awards were given in the following categories. Comic art: Jenny Allison, “Anime Twins.” Design: Toni Johnson, “Night;” Toni Johnson, “Train Live;” Reanne Lee, “Palomino Wine Label.” Drawing: Jessica Butler, “Cannon;” Reanne Lee, “Zebra;” Maria Van de Kamp, “Colorful Creation;” Makayla Wood, “Midnight Meander.” Painting: Reanne Lee, “Das Boot.” Photography: Katherine Knight, “Doug;” Reanee Lee, “Mango Parish Children;” Reanee Lee, “Two Doors;” Jaryn Pennington, “Drops of Burgundy;” Elizabeth Richards, “Hammer and Nails.” In addition to winning the American Vision award, Allison and Lee joined fellow students throughout the district in receiving numerous gold key, silver key and honorable mention awards in several categories. “The program gives thousands of students throughout the United States the opportunity to broaden their creative horizons while earning local and national recognition, said Nancy Bell, coordinator and education director for the arts council. “The objective is to foster the confidence of young artists and give them the opportunity to be recognized for their creative achievements by the world at large.”

Four students at Port Susan Middle School won Silver Key awards: Hayley Bell, Makayla Koster, Eva Ludwig, Sharla McGrath and the following Stanwood students won honorable mentions: At Stanwood High School, Kevin Cruse, Blayton Jacks, Kindra Johnson, Jessica Maley, Annelise Osterbert, Samantha Palmerton (2), Kalie Presteen (2), Elizabeth Richards, Alexandra Ristig, Trevor Silvis, and Cole Young. Stanwood Middle School, Danielle Fortin, Bailey Hall, Samantha Helmick, Cindy Lara, Eily Tripp, Foster Wade (2), and Hannah Weaver. Port Susan Middle School, Makayla Koster (2), Sharla McGrath, and Maria Van de Kamp . Awards were presented at the Everett Civic Auditorium, Feb. 22, and all entries were on exhibit at the Historic Monte Cristo through March 1. American Vision best of show and gold key winners were sent in digital form to New York for the National Scholastic Art Awards program com- petition.

On Wednesday, the artists moved their work into a new gallery: the Stanwood- Camano School District administration building.

Senior Jessica Butler, who won a gold key award for her pen and ink drawing “Cannon,” joined Allison in hanging the works. She said the art program at SHS is successful because of Merrick’s support.

“Mrs. Merrick is really great,” said Butler. “She creates a nice atmosphere and encourages critiques.”

The regional Scholastic Art Awards are co-sponsored by the Arts Council of Snohomish County, the Everett Cultural Commission, and Melby, Cameron and Anderson, with in-kind support from Everett Artist’s Supply and Framing. The winners were selected by seven jurors including Stanwood ceramic artist Marguerite Goff and this year’s Artist of the Year in Snohomish County, Jules Anslow, along with Dan Cautrell, Justin Hillgrove, Susie Howell, Dan Koffman, Sandra Lepper and Ted Pankowski. All the winning images can be seen online at www. artscouncilofsnoco.org, at the Scholastic Arts link.

Staff Reporter Adam Stewart: 629-8066 ext. 115 or astewart@scnews.com.