Valley artists selected for state show

More than 125 pieces of artwork submitted from Alaska's budding young artists were judged earlier this month in the 2004 ASAA/First National Bank Alaska All-State High School Art Competition.

Two Valley students were included in the annual art show after having their works selected.

This year, 70 of the 125 submissions were selected to be in the show, which is on display at the Alaska State Museum in Juneau through March 27.

Awards are presented for outstanding and original works in 11 different art categories.

They are painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, photography, mixed media, communication arts/graphic design, ceramics, jewelry/metalsmithing, multicultural art, textile arts/fiber design and multicultural art.

The only Valley school participating among the 18 schools statewide was IDEA, which is based in Wasilla. Kreistal Cockrell, an IDEA student, finished second in the photography division with her photo, entitled, "Reflections."

In the multicultural art category, Jeremy McKinney, another IDEA student from Wasilla, placed second with his piece, "He is Risen."

Two big honors were handed out following the judging.

This year's Best of Show award was handed out to Heather Harris of Juneau-Douglas, for her textile/fiber art piece, "Fishing for the Perfect Man."

"We were looking for something truly unique -- different from everything else. This piece really stood out," the jurors commented about the Juneau student's artwork.

The Congressional Award went to Alexandra Torres of Eielson, for her drawing, "Am I 2 Part of the American Dream?"

"In art, high school is a time to test new media and technical aspects. Some students transcend this, going beyond manipulation to present a concept, an idea.

"For example, the Congressional Award winner used a flag, which is a powerful symbol, and by adding the young girl, the drawing became more than a technically good portrait. The composition invites others to interpret the meaning," the jurors said.