Palmer Museum showcases local student talent

PALMER — The Palmer Museum of History and Art announced the winners of the 2024 Beyond the Classroom art competition during a reception held Friday, Feb. 9.

According to a recent press release, participants' ages ranged from 14 to 18.

A total of 29 students from Colony High School, Mat-Su Central School, and Palmer High School showcased their talents in a juried exhibition that concluded Jan. 12.

According to the press release, this competition is designed to offer a platform for young artists to express their creativity and explore the diverse ranges of visual art, thus "contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of the Mat-Su Valley."

"We are thrilled to have witnessed such an incredible display of artistic talent from our local teens," Palmer Museum of History and Art board member/competition judge Erin Saunders stated in the press release. "The Beyond the Classroom art competition not only highlights the efforts of our local art teachers but also the creativity within our community that underscores the importance of fostering young artists and their unique perspectives. It is a chance for students to share work publicly and it can help grow the confidence of our young artists."

According to the press release, student entries covered a wide range of artistic mediums such as paintings, digital art, and mixed media.

The jury panel was composed of local educators who determined the competition winners after careful consideration.

The following students were recognized: Nate Brown for his entry titled "Surrealist Dreamscapes," Christopher Martine for his entry titled "Faces," and Frenchesca Steel for her entry titled "Native Woman."

Each student will receive a cash prize in honor of their achievements.

According to the press release, Steel indicated that the process of creating her entry was educational.

“The model was provided to us in the class and I took the time to learn about mixing the colors, which was very challenging as it's hard not to overmix, especially when you are working with skin tones," Steel stated in the press release.

PHS teacher Anna Folsom assisted 16 students with their submission process. She expressed how impressed she was by the variety of artwork that was submitted.

“I’m impressed with the variety. Each student got to choose their own medium and then they took that medium and are confident enough to say what they want to say out loud," Folsom said.

The students' artwork can be viewed at the Palmer Museum through the end of February. The museum is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday

The Palmer Museum staff and volunteers indicated in the press release that their organization is "committed to fostering artistic talent and looks forward to continuing its mission of inspiring and engaging the next generation of artists."

The Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union sponsored the Beyond the Classroom art competition. Palmer Museum staff and volunteers thanked Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union, student participants and their families, the schools involved, and community members for making this event a triumphant success.

For more information about the Beyond the Classroom art competition and upcoming events at the Palmer Museum of Art and History, visit palmermuseum.org or call 907-746-7668.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com