Welches Middle School Artists Stand Out at Clackamas ESD Regional Art Show

By Justin Andress, The Mountain Times

For its 10th year, the Clackamas ESD Regional Art Show called attention to the creative efforts of Clackamas County students in middle and high school. The show celebrates the work being done by students spread across 10 public school districts and nearly 30 schools.

The art show ran from March 30 through April 28, when an awards ceremony announced the winners in each category.

Amid the stiff competition, Welches Middle School students stood out, bringing home a handful of prestigious awards for their work with acrylic paint on canvas. Seventh-grader Avery Wagner brought home the Clackamas River Basin Council Award for “Frog.” Meanwhile, eighth-grader Kyrie Thoensen Metts snagged the Superintendent's Choice Award for “Ephemeral.”

Welches Middle School Principal Kendra Payne was thrilled to see her students getting widespread recognition. The show, she says, allows the students’ art “to reach a larger audience, which is especially important for students coming from a small town and small school. They are learning that their creativity can compete with students from across the region.”

It’s hard to overstate the level of competition at this year’s showing. More than 200 students submitted entries to this year’s show. Both Payne and Welches Middle School art teacher Julie Carrier were quick to shout out how extraordinary this year’s pieces were.

“Our middle school artists have really shown their range of skills and creativity this year,” Payne says. “Many of their pieces are introspective, showing that our students care deeply about their subject matter and reflect on how it impacts them. I see students who are able to find beauty in simple items, and have the creativity and skill to make it beautiful for others.”

Carrier echoed that sentiment, saying, “The art from all of the middle school entries this year is super inspiring. It shows that these young adults are paying attention! This is evident in their explorations of color theory, shape, and movement, while addressing some heavier topics like social justice, environmental conservation, and mental health.”

Prizes were considered in a wide array of categories: painting, ceramics, photography, mixed media, digital art, graphic design, drawing, and sculpture. This year saw the addition of five new media categories as well.

For their efforts, students receive several prizes like art supplies, notecards featuring the students’ work, tuition waivers, and scholarships. Some students also get the opportunity to see their work exhibited at other locations. It’s a level of legitimacy that can go a long way with young artists.

“There is a specific kind of growth that happens when a student sees their work in a professional setting,” says Welches Middle School art teacher Julie Carrier. “The Clackamas ESD Art Show offers our students a chance to display their art outside of our school hallways and off of the mountain. It also allows them to integrate with a wider range of students other than the ones they see every day. It’s so interesting to see the projects that students from other schools are making! This perspective gives our artists a healthy challenge for their own personal art goals.”

Both educators eagerly anticipate the Art Show for its capacity to teach the students valuable lessons about both the power of good art and the bravery inherent in showcasing their work.

Carrier explained, “For the last three years, I’ve made it a priority to bring my entire class to this exhibit, not just the students who entered. Putting your work on a wall takes immense courage. When they see their own art alongside their peers and strangers, I want them to start seeking their own 'moments of courage' in other parts of their lives. I also want them to see that art isn't just a hobby; it’s a serious path. Seeing high schoolers win college scholarships helps them realize they can actually build a future out of the things they love.”

For both Payne and Carrier, the ESD Regional Art Show is an opportunity to show students that their future is wide open, and that they are capable of anything with work, determination, and, yes, a little bravery.

If you weren’t able to attend this year’s art show, it’s not too late to enjoy the hard work of these enterprising students. Visit the virtual gallery at the Clackamas Educational Service District website, clackesd.org.