***This article was written by Joey Drawyer, a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.
One year after Wethersfield gained a full-fledged art program, the school was chosen to host the Henry-Stark County Art Festival on April 3.
The annual festival allows high school students in Henry and Stark counties to express their creativity and earn ribbons or prizes. It’s held at different schools each year, and this year was Wethersfield’s turn.
Since Wethersfield gained their art teacher, Elizabeth Kegebein, last year, students have been introduced to new creative opportunities. Because the school didn’t have a permanent art teacher for 12 years, students haven’t been able to attend events such as the Art Festival. Kegebein was the one to volunteer Wethersfield as the host school for this year’s festival.
Seven schools attended the Art Festival, bringing a total of 95 students, with 245 artworks submitted across 23 categories, including Colored Pencil, Ink/Markers, Sculpture, and Pencil Drawing-Portrait and Figure.
First, second, third, and honorable mention ribbons were awarded to four artworks of each category.
The winners were determined by two judges: Tim Waldrop, professor in the art department of Western Illinois University and Laura Warner, who works for the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, Iowa.
Once all art pieces were judged, the public was allowed to come by and view what was submitted and what pieces won ribbons.
Along with their art being displayed, students also participated in one of seven workshops, where they could explore their creativity while Waldrop and Warner judged. These workshops included collage making, watercolor painting and other topics.
Out of the 23 first-place winners, the artwork that won the title of Best of Show was created by Serina Nimrick, a student from Geneseo. The piece was submitted into the Painting- Landscape, Miscellaneous and Abstract category.
Wethersfield will remain a school considered to be the host of future Henry Stark County Art Festivals. Next year, the school will host the LTC Art Festival, although the location of the festival is currently undetermined.
Kegebein is very pleased with the outcome of the event. She’s surprised with how many people attended to see the art. Last year, Wethersfield students only won two ribbons, while this year, they won nine, and Kegebein is proud of them.
“I really appreciate all the hard work that went into this event,” Kegebein said, “from the area art teachers and students to the judges. It’s not just about picking the ‘prettiest’ artwork-it’s about the composition, the artistic message, and the technical skill behind each piece.”
Kegebein is excited to see her students express their artistic talents.
“What I love most about these shows is the creative spark they ignite in my students,” she said. “It’s so inspiring to see how motivated they become after experiencing the work of their peers.”
