The Washington Federation of Independent Schools was honored to be on the Judges Panel for the 2016 Puget Sound Regional High School Art Show. This year 165 independent school students from Pierce county, King county and Bainbridge Island submitted artwork! The diversity, creativity, and depth of skill conveyed in the showcase was impressive.
WFIS awarded Honorable Mentions to Corey Kispert of Kings High School for the photography entry “Harmonious Reflection”; Mara Staal of Bellevue Christian for her collage “Foot Notes”; and Emma Petrin of Bear Creek School for “The Adventurer”.
Izabel Ewanchuk of Cedar Park High School took home the Best Independent School Art Work in the category of photography for “Quiet Waters”.
Maggie Leist of Bear Creek School was the recipient of two awards for her cleverly uplifting mixed-media sculpture “Ravens Flock from the Fold”: Best Independent School 3D Art Work from WFIS and an Outstanding Achievement Award for excellence in sculpture from PSESD.
Jamin Zheng of Eastside Prep received several awards for the captivating charcoal drawing “Commute”:
WFIS’s Best Independent School 2D Art Work; PSESD’s Outstanding Achievement Award for a work of excellence in charcoal; a King County Executive Award presented by Jim Kelly, Executive Director of 4Culture; and a Board of Director’s Honorable Mention Award.
WFIS understands the importance exhibition holds as a learning experience that helps foster identity and aides in building self confidence for students. Public exhibition is also a vehicle that builds community by bringing schools and students together.
Unfortunately, as of last year, private school students are not invited to participate in the statewide Annual Superintendent’s High School Art Show hosted in Olympia. WFIS has reached out to officials advising a correction of this decision. We are hopeful that our advocacy efforts will promote a policy change that allows all Washington art students to celebrate their reverence and hard work in the realm of fine art at the State Show next year.
