Northrop art students rewarded for their talents
Eight Northrop High School art students were recognized for their talents in the Bowen Health Clinic Empowerment Art Competition, co-sponsored by CareSource. The students received their awards during a ceremony at the school on May 13th.
The top three winning works of art are exhibited in the lobby at Bowen Health Clinic located at 2100 Goshen Road in Fort Wayne.
“It’s long been recognized that art provides a creative outlet for complex emotions,” said Dr. Rob Ryan, President and CEO at Bowen Center. “It’s a powerful form of expression and viewing art can reduce stress and increase our overall sense of well-being. So, it only makes sense for us to exhibit art in our buildings and use that opportunity to showcase local talent. It is a privilege to put these young artists’ talents on display.”
All eight students received scholarships from CareSource to be used as they wish to help further their artistic endeavors.
"CareSource is proud to sponsor an event that aligns with our mission,” said Steve Smitherman, president of CareSource Indiana. “Supporting these young artists not only enriches their educational experiences but also strengthens the fabric of the communities we serve. This partnership with Bowen Health Clinic underscores our commitment to innovative and comprehensive health solutions that extend beyond traditional care."
The award winners are Elise Gilman, 11th grade, who took 1st place, and won $2,000 with an acrylic painting titled Power. Sophomore Zoey (Kalob) Steigerwald received 2nd place and $1,000 for an acrylic painting, Let the Light In. Zoe (Sal) Behrends, 11th grade, was awarded 3rd place and $500 for the digital image Tranquility.
Northrop High School Art Teacher Erica Leitch says it was a challenge for the students to capture the concept of “empowerment” in their work.
“I watched a lot of them struggle with the topic of “empowerment” and how to translate their thoughts into artwork,” said Ms. Leitch. “I encouraged them to do research or to find something within themselves that they could connect to their work.”
“Creating this type of art makes me feel accomplished and hopeful,” said Elise Gilman “My artwork represents empowerment because it can make the viewer see how far African Americans have made it through society,” Gilman said about her work “Power”, a faceless, brown-toned portrait topped by a crown.
“It makes me feel happy that I can share my experiences to help people through my art,” said Kalob Steigerwald. His painting “Let the Light In” depicts a hooded figure’s face, bathed in warm light from an orb projecting white and yellow streams of brightness to the edges of the frame. “Like a little light in the dark,” he said.
Sal Behrends’ piece Tranquility is a hazy, abstract image of cottony clouds opening to a warm multicolored sky. “It’s a symbol of taking your life back and choosing to be happy and calm despite everything,” said Behrends. “I believe that this is true empowerment.”
Receiving honorable mentions for their art and $250 each are Riley Pepple, 12th grade; Tijana Hrncic, 12th grade; Alexandria (Alex) Barlett, 10th grade; Caden (CJ) Boyles, 11th grade; Madison Harmeyer, 10th grade; and Vanessa (River) Aguilar, 12th grade.
The public is invited to view the student exhibit in the lobby at the Bowen Health Clinic Goshen Road location.
