Art students and their teachers celebrated their award-winning artwork Friday evening at the annual Vanguard Awards during the opening reception for the USD 497 Exhibition.
Art teachers from Lawrence Public Schools displayed their students’ work for all to see at the Lawrence Arts Center.
Parents, friends and family walked and talked while admiring works from students of all ages — kindergarteners through seniors.
“I think this evening just shows the power of art,” Sunset Hill Elementary Principal Jeremy Philip said, speaking for the school district and as a member of the arts center board.
“Art truly is something that brings people together.”
Two students received the $1,200 Vanguard Award. The award is given to the top 2D and 3D artists whose work “demonstrates the highest overall quality, originality, and skill.”
The top 2D artist was Lawrence High senior Celeste Stinson, and the top 3D artist was Lawrence High junior Ru Yother.
“I’m just so honored. There’s so much amazing work here,” Stinson said. “I’ve been going to the district show since I was in elementary school, so it’s kind of a full circle moment.”
The Trailblazer Awards went to two students in hopes of supporting their continuation of visual arts. LHS senior Henry Farthing and sophomore Wren Jay won $600 each.
“Henry has worked really hard every year,” LHS teacher Angelia Perkins said. “It’s been a lot of hard work but I think it’s all been worth it.”
The students’ teachers also received the Catalyst Award for each one of their winning students. Perkins, along with coworkers Todd Poteet and Emily Markoulatos, won $150 each.
The goal of the award ceremony is not only to provide foundations for young artists to continue with their hobby, but also to showcase the importance of connections between staff and students.
“Henry has always had a drive,” Perkins said. “But a little bit of time has really heightened their skill level and their confidence level.”
The event also included several Emerging Artist Awards, one in each grade of elementary and middle school.
The exhibit of student work will be on display in the arts center gallery, 940 New Hampshire St., through Thursday, May 8.
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Emilia (Mimi) Rosado Schmitt (she/her) is a junior at Lawrence High School and a co-editor in chief for the LHS Budget, where she edits stories and makes graphics and reports.
See more of her work for the Times here.
Nathan Kramer (he/him), a multimedia student journalist for The Lawrence Times since August 2024, is a junior at Free State High School. He is also a video editor for Free State’s student publication, where he works as a videographer, photographer and motion designer. See more of his work for the Times here.
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