The 12th annual Showcase of the Arts, hosted by the Whidbey Island American Association of University Women, Saturday, May 2, at the Coupeville Recreation Hall featured the stunning artistic talent among island high school students.
This year about 200 people viewed 313 pieces of student art, according to Pat Lokanis, AAUW publicity chair.
The association awarded ribbons and cash prizes for wall art, photography, sculpture and wearable art. In addition to the juried section, attendees voted for their favorite pieces during the People’s Choice Awards.
Oak Harbor High School students dominated the wall art category. Winners include first place, Ben Sorenson for “Dragon”; second place, Ryan Fakkema for “Pride”; third place, Nhu Hoang for “Mr. Aesop”; and honorable mention, Jeighni Gagen for “Self Portrait 2.”
D.J. Davis’ image “Secret Fishing Hole” captured the attention of the judges and attendees, earning him an honorable mention and the People’s Choice Award for photography. Davis, of Bayview High School, also won second place for “Early Morning Catch” in the same category. Olin Berquist of South Whidbey High School took home first for “Tree Negative” and Cristin Lade of Oak Harbor High School won third for an untitled image.
Carson McKole’s “Down the Rabbit Hole” and Kara Stratton’s “Boiler” took home first and second, respectively for their sculptures. “With Lid,” by South Whidbey High Schooler Lisa Sparks, won third place and Chelsea Hudgins of Coupeville High School earned an honorable mention for “Chelsea.”
The exhibit also included jewelry and wearable art, with first place going to Cody Hernkind of Oak Harbor High School for “CH,” second place to Ryan Byrne of Oak Harbor High School for “Wave,” third place to Anthony Yockey, “Sunshine” and an honorable mention for “Cut Up” by South Whidbey High School student Zoe Hill.
Art show attendees put in their two cents for “Best of Show,” electing Jeighni Gagen’s “Brother” for wall art, D.J. Davis’ “Secret Fishing Hole” for photography, Ashlee Bliek’s “Slace” in sculpture and Kristin Tracy’s “Flutter” in the jewelry/wearable art category.
Next year’s show will take place May 1. For more information, call AAUW President Bonnie Abney at 678-9224.
