The Keokuk Area Fine Arts Council celebrated the region’s young talent last weekend during the closing reception of its Annual High School Art Show, held at the Lost Canvas Art Gallery. Students from Fort Madison, Central Lee, Illini West, Winfield/Mt. Union, and Hamilton schools displayed an impressive range of original works, from painting and drawing to sculpture and mixed media.
The month-long exhibition, which ran from March 3 through March 28, featured dozens of student artworks and concluded with an awards reception on Sunday, March 30. The event drew families, teachers, and art lovers from across the region, all eager to support the creative achievements of local youth.
Top Honors Awarded Across Categories
Student artists competed in six categories: 3D Artwork, Drawing, Mixed Media, Painting, Pastels, and Watercolor. Winners were chosen by a panel of judges, with gift card prizes awarded to the top two entries in each category. First-place winners received $125 gift cards and second-place winners received $100 gift cards. Two special honors, Overall Best of Show and People’s Choice, were also presented.
Winners of the 2024 High School Art Show
3D Artwork
1st – Colton Taft, “Not Your Average Garden Snail,” Central Lee
2nd – Jada Moats, “Picasso Inspired Low-Relief,” Winfield/Mt. Union
Drawing
1st – Aubrey Weber, “The Goodest Girl,” Central Lee
2nd – Iris Arevalo, “Pink & Orange,” Fort Madison
Mixed Media
1st – Felicia Ralph, “Just a Silly Goose,” Fort Madison
2nd – Connor Meyer, “Insect Inspection,” Illini West
Painting
1st – Jackson Day, “Needle Knight Leda,” Fort Madison
2nd – Ella Kann, “Bright as a Lily,” Winfield/Mt. Union
Pastels
1st – Jacob Shottenkirk, “The King,” Fort Madison
2nd – Kaylee Herring, “Shooting Stars?”, Fort Madison
Watercolor
1st – Dianna Vincent, “Shades of Green,” Fort Madison
2nd – Avery Hunter, “Homestead,” Illini West
Special Awards:
Overall Best of Show – Felicia Ralph, “Just a Silly Goose,” Fort Madison
People’s Choice – Jackson Day, “Needle Knight Leda,” Fort Madison
“This year’s submissions were incredible,” said Catie Henoch, a Keokuk Area Fine Arts Council volunteer. “We continue to be impressed by the depth of creativity and technical skill these students demonstrate. It’s truly inspiring.”
The event, hosted at the Lost Canvas Art Gallery at 709 Main St., recognized outstanding student achievement and reinforced the community’s commitment to arts education and youth enrichment.
To stay updated on future events or to support the Keokuk Area Fine Arts Council, contact [email protected].