HU Department of Art + Design Honors High School Contenders in Annual Student Show

High school artists experience a collegiate showcase when Huntington University hosts its annual High School Art Exhibit. For two weeks, over 50 pieces of art representing 15 local high schools, were displayed in the Robert E. Wilson Gallery, with an awards reception on February 10. The High School Art Exhibit gives young, aspiring artists a chance to meet professors, listen to juror remarks and view artwork at a professional venue, while building a bridge between high school and collegiate art instructors.

Rebecca Coffman, chair of the Art + Design department and gallery director, pointed out that it is “important for young artists to see their creative work in professional settings. For many high school artists, this is the first time their work is on exhibit outside of their school.”

This year’s Best of Show was award to Zoe Moore from Homestead High school with her film entry titled Hot Knife. First place overall was awarded to 7 Sins Personified, a product of Devon Parsons from Carroll High School, Fort Wayne. Second place was presented to a colored pencil drawing named Fixer Upper, by Deiani Meerzo who also attends Carroll High School. Third place was given to the photograph, Breaking Points, taken by Addison Ansari from Peru High School, Fort Wayne. Award winners were selected by members of the HU Art + Design faculty. In addition to the awards listed, there were also 10 honorable mention awards offered.

Responsibility for production of the exhibit, from postcards to installation is entrusted to current Huntington University Art + Design students.

“This exhibit provides our department with invaluable experience for our students in their future career as artists, designers and art educators,” Coffman said. “The exhibit gives high school and undergrad students a practical experiences and opportunity to grow within the arts.”

The Art + Design Department at Huntington University houses four degree paths including art education, fine arts, graphic design and studio art. 

Full list of awards: 

Best of Show
Hot Knife, film, by Zoe Moore, Homestead High School Fort Wayne

First Place Overall
7 Sins Personified, pen, ink, marker, digital, by Devon Parsons, Carroll High School, Fort Wayne

Second Place Overall
Fixer Upper, colored pencil, by Deiani Meerzo, Carroll High School, Fort Wayne

Third Place Overall
Breaking Points, photography, by Addison Ansari, Peru High School, Fort Wayne

Honorable Mentions
True Colors, cut paper, by Chase Castillo, Whitko High School
Reflection, drawing, by Isabella Eiseman, Peru High School
S. S., charcoal drawing, by Haley Holycross, Peru High School
Sir George, scratch board, by Zhanna Hostetler, Dekalb Central High School
Feeling the Weight, colored pencil, by Wilson Doty, Dekalb Central High School
Tension, photography, by Addison Stallard, Dekalb Central High School
Squirt the Turtle, ceramic, by Halei Faurote, Bellmont High School
Afternoon Tea, ceramic, by Skylee Bigger, Dekalb Central High School
Koi Fish, ceramic, by Darianna Bryant, Huntington North High School
Industrial Darkness, ceramic, by Bryan Huges, Carroll Jr./Sr. High School