High School Artists Shine at Concordia College Art Show Until January 15

Regional high school students are showcasing their artistic talents at the annual High School Juried Art Show hosted by Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. The exhibition, which runs until January 15, 2024, features over 100 works from aspiring artists representing 13 local high schools.

The event highlights the dedication and creativity of these young artists, who have poured countless hours into their projects. Among the impressive displays, juror Anna Jacobson, Director of Learning and Engagement at the Plains Art Museum, selected 60 standout pieces from a pool of more than 200 submissions for exhibition at the Cyrus M. Running Art Gallery. “This exhibition is a powerful reminder of the talent, creativity and perspective that young people bring to our community,” Jacobson stated, emphasizing the inspiring and sophisticated nature of the work on display.

Jacobson, with over 20 years of experience in the visual arts, explained her selection process focused on technical skill and individual artistic voice. She considered foundational elements such as composition and the effective use of materials, while also paying close attention to how students interpreted similar prompts. “Selecting the final 60 works was a thoughtful and challenging process,” she remarked. “Many strong pieces could not be included simply because of space limitations, not because of a lack of quality or effort.”

A diverse range of media is represented in the show, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Jacobson noted a strong sense of intention in how students chose materials to express their ideas.

Among the featured artists is Selena Zhao, a senior from Fargo North High School, whose oil on canvas piece titled “Summer in West Lake” draws inspiration from her family’s trip to China. The artwork captures a detailed landscape of West Lake in Hangzhou, where her grandparents live. Zhao dedicated over two months to complete the intricate piece, stating, “When I chose it, I knew it would be hard to paint. It was full of detail—I wanted to challenge myself.”

Another artist, Kylie Anderson from Perham High School, presents her sculpture “Floral Feline,” inspired by her own cat, Kitten. Constructed from wire, newspaper, and wax, Anderson embraced the challenge of new materials for her sculpture assignment. “The most rewarding part was sculpting out the facial features with the wax; it was so fun watching the piece slowly come to life,” Anderson shared.

Senior Elloise Beck from Moorhead High School showcases two pieces, including a granite and colored pencil portrait titled “Work of Art.” She initially aimed to use graphite but ventured into colored pencil to highlight light and shadow. Beck remarked, “Getting two pieces into the Concordia Art Show is an inspirational honor and has only confirmed my belief that struggles help us grow.”

Junior Claire Gibb also has work displayed, presenting a linocut print titled “Swim,” which reflects her love for swimming. She explained, “My art depicts me swimming and how I can find peace, but also joy from swimming.”

The show features submissions from students at additional schools including Ada, Davies, Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton, Grand Forks Central, Hawley, Lake Park, Oak Grove, Pelican Rapids, Sheyenne, and West Fargo. This annual exhibition not only highlights the artistic accomplishments of young people but also fosters appreciation for the arts within the community.

Concordia College’s High School Juried Art Show continues to inspire and engage audiences, showcasing the remarkable talent and creativity of the next generation of artists.