The biennial Maryland High School Juried Art Exhibition, on display through April 6 at the 91直播 of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) Arts Program Gallery, celebrates the talent, skill and exciting perspectives of the finest student artists from across the state.
鈥淚n the third iteration of the Maryland High School Juried Art Exhibition and awards, Maryland students are proving that they have the talent to create magnificent works of art,鈥 said Eric Key, director of the UMGC Arts Program. 鈥淭hrough this exhibition, we want to support school art programs and demonstrate that these young artists can have a career in the arts.鈥
Beyond showcasing student work, the exhibition provides an invaluable learning experience by helping participants navigate the submission and jurying process, an essential step in their artistic development.
鈥淚t is important for students to gain this experience for themselves and their respective programs,鈥 said Eden Reff-Presco, an art teacher at Northwood High School in Silver Spring. 鈥淚t sets the tone for professional-quality work and helps students understand the process. When I assist students with submissions, I look for new statements of artistic voice, an innovative approach and high-quality execution of materials.鈥
Many of the works in the show, which were selected by juror Treston Sanders, curator of the Arts Program at UMGC, focused on self-reflection and identity.聽
鈥淭he student artists seemed inspired and curious about themselves, exploring every perspective, not so much in terms of values and beliefs but in various forms of self,鈥 he said.聽
The first-, second- and third-place winners, along with three honorable mentions, were selected from a pool of 60 entrants and announced at the exhibition鈥檚 opening reception on Feb. 2.
Ben Shanklin of Allegany High School in Cumberland, received first-place honors for Conversation Medication, an illustration he created using a colored pencil, marker and ink. Shanklin drew inspiration from the many facets of addiction and withdrawal, specifically love and affection.聽
Towson High School鈥檚 Sadie Meyers received second-place honors for City Scene, a pen and ink drawing of meticulous detail that conveyed the mood and atmosphere of a gray rainy day in the city.
Samina Nelson鈥檚 The Royal, a sculpture made of playing cards, clay, fabric, cardboard, paint and glue, claimed the third-place award. The Suitland High School student鈥檚 innovative use of materials stood out for its imagination and creative expression.聽
Honorable mention awards went to Sophia Costanzo of Urbana High School for The Illusion of Freedom, a sculpture of paper, wooden sticks, paint, wire, and glue; Grace Liu, also of Urbana High School, for Currents, a scratchboard engraving; and Sam Wann of Century High School, for Determinism, a digital illustration.
In addition to the award winners, the exhibition features an array of exceptional works from students across Maryland.聽
One standout piece, Untitled, by Bradley Guevara of the George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, is particularly captivating. The life-size sculpture, constructed entirely of cardboard, portrays two teens absorbed in their devices, one standing and the other seated, backs turned to each other, conveying a powerful sense of introspection and digital isolation.
In the striking My Wavelength, a mixed media piece by Jaelynn Rajah of the Blair G. Ewing Center, a monochromatic image of a young woman, arms folded and braids flowing, appears calm and confident. The bold figure contrasts with a soft, colorful background of intertwining leaves and natural elements.聽聽
鈥淔or many students, being included in Maryland High School Juried Art Exhibition serves as an affirmation that their voices are heard and serves as a catalyst for continued creative risk-taking,鈥 said Lindsay Reaver, art teacher at Century High School in Sykesville. 鈥淜nowing that their work was selected by a juror encourages them to see their own potential and value as artists.鈥
With its impressive display of talent and creativity, the Maryland High School Juried Art Exhibition continues to highlight the future of creative talent in the state, offering young artists a platform to share their voices and refine their skills.
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