Seven pieces by area high school artists will be advancing to OSPI’s statewide Superintendent’s High School Art Show later this spring after being chosen as standouts among the 113 entries in this year’s ESD 105 Regional High School Art Show.  The pieces were juried last week by Carolyn Nelson, associate professor and chair of the visual art department at Heritage University, and announced during the show’s opening reception on Sunday, March 1, at the Allied ArtsCenter’s Peggy Lewis Gallery in Yakima.
This year’s regional award winners are:
*Laura Bennett, a 12th grader at Toppenish High School: clay ceramic sculpture titled “Trouble At Home.”  Bennett’s art teacher is Laura Wise.
*Oscar Ramirez, a 12th grader at Toppenish High School: oil painting titled “A Subtle Reverie.”  Ramirez’s art teacher is Laura Wise.  Ramirez had a piece entered in last year’s regional show.  He is also one of eight students with two pieces entered in this year’s regional show.
*Oscar Quiñones, a 12th grader at Toppenish High School: oil painting titled “Impression of Harley.”  Quiñones’ art teacher is Laura Wise.  This is the third consecutive year that Toppenish students from Laura Wise’s classes have advanced their artwork to the statewide show.  Toppenish will have three student entries in this year’s state show, and last year advanced two student pieces to the state show.
*Kam Kelley, an 11th grader at Naches Valley High School: mixed media sculpture titled “Control.”  Kelley’s art teacher is Randy Wise.  This is the fourth consecutive year that one of Randy Wise’s students from E.A.G.L.E. High School or Naches Valley High School has advanced to the statewide show.
*Ricky Moreno, an 11th grader at Wahluke High School: pencil drawing titled “The Moving Pear.”  Moreno’s art teacher is Vanessa Dascenzo.
*Cheyen Schenck, a 12th grader at Grandview High School: digital photo titled “Memories.”  Schenck’s art teacher is Mike Manship.  Schenck also created one of the pieces that Grandview entered in last year’s regional show. 
*Juan Carlos Ramirez, a 12th grader at Grandview High School: wire sculpture titled “Angelo.”  Ramirez’s art teacher is Mike Manship.
“It was truly difficult to select the award winners from among so many wonderful pieces,” said Nelson.  “I was really impressed with the quality of work and professionalism of the presentation.  There are plenty of examples of students pushing their own boundaries with bold experimentation and ambitious use of media.  I was really compelled by all the work.  Everyone with work in the show should be very proud of their accomplishments.”
The statewide show will run April 10-June 5 at the Old Capitol Building in Olympia, with an awards reception to be held May 29.  Awards of $200 cash purchases are expected to be given in 10 categories at that event.
The Regional Show is sponsored by ESD 105, Allied Arts of Yakima Valley, and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction as a means to support arts education and provide a venue for student artists to showcase their works.