Young artists’ work impresses judges of Scholastic Art Awards

What seemed to resonate most with the judges in the 2013 Scholastic Art Awards contest was the sophisticated level of talent shown by the hundreds of students who entered works of art.

One judge, Tonnie Wolfe, wrote that he found the students did "incredibly mature work for most categories."

"Loved the vision of all entrants," Wolfe wrote as part of his comments.

Another judge, Carm Pierce, appreciated the high level of creativity and technical execution shown by the students.

"I really enjoy seeing great young artists emerging from our local school programs," Pierce commented.

Schack Art Center will present artwork from the 2013 Scholastic Art Awards in its main gallery.

Among the pieces on display will be the works done by the five outstanding American Vision/Best of Show recipients:

Megan Davis, from Glacier Peak High School; Orlando Esquivel from Henry M. Jackson High School; Marcela Gaspar from Lake Stevens High School; and Holly Hillman and Annalissa Winters, both from Stanwood High School.

There were more than 800 entries received from 37 Snohomish County schools for this year's contest.

Since 1996, Schack Art Center has been the only regional affiliate in Washington state for the National Scholastic Art Awards, exhibiting thousands of 7th- through 12th-grade Snohomish County artists in the process, according to a press release.

Schack will exhibit all the award-winning entries in its main gallery from Feb. 18 through 24. An opening reception will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Feb. 20 at Schack Art Center, 2921 Hoyt Ave., Everett.

A public recognition of the winners will be given starting at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 20 during the Scholastic Art Awards Ceremony at the Everett Civic Auditorium, 2415 Colby Ave., Everett.

Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424; goffredo@heraldnet.com.