Scholastic Art Awards Showcase at the DAM Honors Colorado Students

Since its start in the 1920s, Scholastic Art Awards has encouraged, fostered, and rewarded creativity in our nation’s classrooms. At this year’s juried competition, over 4,000 pieces of art were submitted by Colorado students. As part of the awards, 100 artworks were displayed at the annual Scholastic Art Awards Showcase at the Denver Art Museum from March 12-April 2, representing various art forms, including photography, digital arts, drawing, jewelry making, printmaking, painting, and sculpture. The students’ works are representative of the incredible talent of young artists across the state and the achievements of these award recipients. See a few of the featured works here [link to Creativity Resource].

Featured student artists and their families and friends were honored with a luncheon on March 19, 2015, where they were addressed by artist William Matthews and were able to tour the Denver Art Museum. Awards and accolades were distributed recognizing students’ achievements. Melora McDermott-Lewis, director of learning and engagement at the DAM, reminded guests of the company that they now share as Colorado State Scholastics winners, touching on the fact that some past winners have even become part of the museum’s collection, such as Terry Winters. A number of students were awarded scholarships, and one was chosen to attend a studio art class at the DAM.

One student, Abby Sparks, shared about the experience, saying, “I speak for my peers and me when I say it is amazing to get recognition for the work we have done and for the way we express ourselves.”

Congratulations to all students submitting artworks for their hard work and achievement! We look forward to seeing their creative expression in all their future careers!

Image credit: Macho Men by John Hale, Boulder High School.

Alive by Kailee Bosch, Poudre High School

Feet by Anastasiya Shabunevich, Eaglecrest High School

Shipwreck by Solymar Valdez, Air Academy High School

Walking on Eggshells by Amy Zhou, Mountain Vista High School