MVHS Holds Annual Art and CTE Exhibit

By CORINNE MESSER

The Progress

The main hall and library at Moapa Valley High School were bursting with creativity at the “Art & Me in 23” Student Fine Art and CTE (Career Technological Education) Juried Exhibition on Monday, April 24.

Featured in the exhibit were student works in the school’s construction tech, floriculture, food science, ag mechanics, painting, drawing, and ceramics programs.

Donna Swanson, MVHS fine arts instructor, said that this was the first year back from a 3-year break for the exhibit due to COVID-19. The annual exhibition was initiated nearly 10 years ago.

“This year we had Lacey Tom’s Floriculture class, Bryan Linford’s Ag Mechanics, and Clark Hardy’s Construction students contribute to the exhibit,” stated Swanson. “We hope to add Theatre Design, Culinary, and Yearbook entries next year.”

In the Main hall two tables displayed balls of flowers called Pomander Flower Kissing Balls. Faith Kelly received first place on her entry.
“I decorated it with Calendula flowers grown at the Ag Farm, straw flowers, and pomegranate leaves,” commented Kelly.

There were also photos of Construction Technology projects that students have participated in; including carpentry, electrical, masonry, and drywall.

Ag Mechanics students displayed stick welding skills on mini metal log cabins and dodecahedrons. Additionally, Jorja Freeman displayed a stunning replica of a long-stemmed red rose she created by stick weld.

Construction student, Kael Freeman received first place for his handsome wooden Adirondack chair.
Construction Technology students had beautifully carved wooden pens on display. Trent Nelson and Brecken Turner placed first with their pens.

Next, the library had ceramics, paintings, and drawings on exhibit.
Known for her beautiful works of art and sculptures, award-winning artist, Janet Trobough served as the judge. Her work is currently displayed with Moapa Valley Art Guild, the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery, and Gallery 873 in Kayenta, Utah.

The Overall Best of Show was awarded to Angelle Ables for her oil pastel and colored pencil drawing called “Beauty in the Beast.” As a first-year drawing student, her natural talent was evident.

Emmy Cornwall, a Ceramics 2 and Painting 1 student expressed, “I like art because I can take an idea and make something from it.” Her ceramic Woven Bubbles received Reserve Grand Champion.
Ceramics 2 student, Rebekah Jensen received first place for her ceramic Flower Box. The square box was creatively crafted with a petal-draped flower lid and engraved grass on its sides.

A fascinating aluminum repousse called Scorpion by Cassie Halverson is worth mentioning. Receiving second place, the artist engraved on a sheet of aluminum creating an image of a detailed scorpion.

Deni Jarrel’s detailed Largemouth Bass watercolor titled Day at the Pond received a first, and her Still Life with chalk pencils titled Frost earned Reserve Grand Champion.

Advanced Studies students had their own separate viewing area. Swanson said they are the fourth-year students, who are considering majoring in art at college. The three advanced artists were Marisol Medrano, Leyah Carvajal, and Shaylee Adams.

Medrano’s anime-influenced colored pencil drawing of a girl surrounded by 3-dimensional paper flowers called “I Love You” was creative and original. It received first place. The rest of her brushwork had bright, vibrant colors and were delightful.

Leyah Carvajal had many attractive ceramics on display. Her colorful “Woven Basket” placed second and her bowl titled “Evil Eye” placed third. “Red Wildflower,” a red-petaled flower also stood out.

Shaylee Adams had several stunning pictures. Her gouache painting called “Forgotten Library” received Special Merit as well as a colored pencil/graphite/vellum drawing called “Sgt Pepper.” She also had several captivating female portraits created with colored pencils.

Swanson, pleased with the juried exhibits commented, “From beginning students, to advanced, I am thrilled with the phenomenal talent we have here!”