Schools
Richfield Student Art Show Kicks-Off at Augsburg Library
Winning art pieces created by middle and high school kids are presented at library.
The Richfield Arts Commission announced student winners of the Richfield Teen Art Contest Monday night at .
With more than 80 student-submitted paintings, photographs, sculptures and pieces of pottery on display, a crowd of more than 40 gathered around Lisa Howes, Augsburg's youth services librarian, as she presented contest winners with award certificates and gift cards.
"We had a way bigger crowd in the building this year than I've ever seen before," Howes said. "In addition to the sheer number of entries."
Sixth through eighth grade contest winners were:
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- Danny Van Eyll, first place;
- Ashley Nichols, second place;
- Anna Podewils, third place.
Honorable Mentions: Emily Ness, Courtney Bandith and Margaret Vergara.
Ninth through 12th grade winners were:
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- Charlie Haumersen, first place;
- Elisabeth Weiss, second place;
- Pema Khando; third place.
Honorable Mentions: Lindsey Jaeger, Gilbert Bilal and Cesar Rosa.
Pottery Winners:
- Kevin Rykken, first place;
- Emily Aldrich, second place;
- Courtney Bandith, third place.
The contest kicked off at the beginning of November and was widely advertised in Richfield schools and the Augsburg Library. Students were allowed to submit one or two pieces. Ron Wilson, Kevin Klos and Ellen Stinger, who are all practicing artists and members of the Richfield Arts Commission, judged the contest. Painting and photos were judged separately from sculptures and pottery pieces.
Howes gave a lot of the credit for the show's success to the Richfield Public Schools system, which she said were an enormous help in getting student work submitted.
"We received 30 more entries than the 60 or so we got last year, so you have to give the schools props," she said.
Willie Falwell, a local artist and longtime art teacher at Richfield High School, was recognized for his role in making the event a success.
"He has been a real instigator. He encourages his students to get involved in this," said Judy Goebel, co-chair of the contest and a member of the Richfield Arts Commission.
Although Falwell rallied his students to submit their work, he gave most the credit to them.
"It's amazing how many kids line up again each year," he said. "These kids got a work ethic, a sweat equity that won't quit."
In addition, Richfield Arts Commission Special Awards were given to Hannah Springer and Caroline Paulson. The student art will be on display at the library until Jan. 15, 2011.