***This article was written by Joey Drawyer, a participant in The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.

For the first time in 12 years, Wethersfield High School students were invited to participate in the Lincoln Trail Conference Art Show. The recent hiring of an art teacher for the high school helped secure the invite.

This year’s show was hosted by Monmouth College. The annual event began as a way for students in the conference to express their creativity in various ways.

Categories of art included in the show were photography, chalk pastel, ceramics and pencil sketches, but there were many others categories. The art show also provided workshops for students to explore new artistic ideas.

The main event of the show involved students from the participating schools having the opportunity to display their own artwork. The various pieces were sorted into one of the many categories. Students, teachers, and the general public were then able to view the displayed art pieces.

Finally, judges critiqued and observed the art presented and decided which student’s art would place first, second, third or honorable mention.

Many students from Wethersfield attended the LTC Art Show, which was supervised by art teacher Liz Bystry Kegebein. Some of the students brought multiple pieces.

Four Wethersfield students won awards. Isabelle Krause placed first in the category of printmaking. Addison Looney placed second in textiles, jewelry, and crafts.

Anna Feltz was awarded third place in textiles, jewelry, and crafts, and Joey Drawyer received an honorable mention nod in pencil sketch: Portrait/Figure.

Kegebein said she is extremely proud of all of the students for their efforts in expressing their creativity, and is grateful that the students had an opportunity to participate in the show. She’s also hopeful that Wethersfield students will be able to attend more events like the art show in the future.