High School Artists Showcase Talent at Concordia College Art Show

MOORHEAD — Regional high school students are celebrating their artistic talents at the annual High School Juried Art Show hosted by Concordia College. Running through January 15, 2024, the exhibition features over 100 works from 13 high schools, highlighting the creativity and dedication of young artists in the area.

Exceptional Works Selected for Display

The Plains Art Museum Director of Learning and Engagement, Anna Jacobson, served as the juror for this year’s exhibition. She selected 60 outstanding pieces from more than 200 submissions to be showcased at the Cyrus M. Running Art Gallery. Jacobson expressed her admiration for the talent on display, stating, “This exhibition is a powerful reminder of the talent, creativity and perspective that young people bring to our community.”

Her selection process focused on technical skills as well as the unique artistic voice of each piece. Jacobson noted the importance of foundational techniques such as composition and effective material use, while also considering the individual interpretations of common classroom prompts. “Selecting the final 60 works was a thoughtful and challenging process,” she added. “Many strong pieces could not be included simply because of space limitations, not because of a lack of quality or effort.”

Spotlight on Young Talent

Among the featured artists is Selena Zhao, a senior from Fargo North High School. Her oil on canvas piece, “Summer in West Lake,” draws inspiration from a family trip to China, capturing a vibrant landscape that includes blooming lotus blossoms and a gazebo. Zhao dedicated over two months to perfecting her work, stating, “Completing your own big art project is a wonderful feeling.”

Kylie Anderson from Perham High School presents her sculpture “Floral Feline,” inspired by her pet cat, Kitten. Using wire, newspaper, and wax, Anderson aimed to challenge herself with new materials while creating a piece that reflects her connection to her feline friend. “The most rewarding part was sculpting out the facial features with the wax; it was so fun watching the piece slowly come to life,” she remarked.

Another talented participant, Elloise Beck, a senior at Moorhead High School, has two pieces on display. Her work “Work of Art” started as a gridded portrait of her boyfriend and evolved to include colored pencil to highlight light and shadow. Beck emphasized the importance of stepping outside comfort zones, stating, “Getting two pieces into the Concordia Art Show is an inspirational honor.”

Claire Gibb, also a junior at Moorhead High School, showcases a linocut print titled “Swim.” Gibb’s artwork reflects her passion for swimming, portraying the joy and peace she finds in the activity. “I can use those mistakes to grow myself as an artist and my artwork,” she explained about her creative process.

The exhibition not only highlights works from local schools such as Ada, Davies, Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton, Grand Forks Central, Hawley, Lake Park, Oak Grove, Pelican Rapids, Sheyenne, and West Fargo, but also serves as a platform for young artists to gain recognition and appreciation for their efforts.

As the show continues to run through mid-January, community members and art enthusiasts are encouraged to visit Concordia College to support these emerging artists and experience the diverse range of creativity on display.