Twelve promising student artists from Great Bend USD 428 have been chosen to display their artwork at the annual Youth Art Month exhibition organized by the Kansas Art Education Association (KAEA) in Topeka. This event, scheduled to run from February 24 through March 28 at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, highlights exceptional student creativity from various schools across the state.
This year marks the third consecutive participation for USD 428 in this prestigious program. The selection process was conducted by the students” instructors, who evaluated their work based on both artistic merit and positive contributions to classroom culture.
A notable achievement within this group includes Marlowe Beugelsdijk, a sixth-grader from Lincoln Elementary, who has received the “Anne & Bill Bracker 3-D Youth Art Month Award.” Her fiber art piece, titled “Thinking Cap,” has garnered attention, although the specific award placement—whether it be first, second, or third—will be disclosed at the artist”s reception on March 28. Judging for various art categories will occur periodically throughout the month, which may lead to further accolades for students from USD 428.
The twelve featured artists represent a range of grades from elementary to high school, showcasing diverse artistic talents. The initiative is spearheaded by elementary art teacher Shannon Wedel, along with support from fellow educators: Caleb Bartlett (Elementary Art), Pamela Williams (Great Bend Middle School), Sergio Ramirez, and Anna Popp (Great Bend High School).
Shannon Wedel expressed pride in the students, stating, “We are incredibly proud of these students for not only their creativity but for the character they show in our classrooms every day.” She further emphasized that the representation of Great Bend at the state level underscores the community”s artistic talent.
The participating students and their respective schools include: Alesy Prieto and Jahir Rodriguez from Eisenhower; Ryder Reed and Jinxuan Lin from Jefferson; Marlowe Beugelsdijk and Denton Howard from Lincoln; Conrad Langer and Abbygale Naerebout from Park; Diego Alonzo and Juan Taylor from Riley; Kendra Leon from Great Bend Middle School; and Camilla McQuade from Great Bend High School. Their artworks span various mediums, including mixed media, collage, oil pastel, fibers, watercolor, colored pencil, chalk pastel, and low-fire stoneware clay with glaze.
