Your future, our focus
POWELL, Wyoming — Wildlife art by 33 Powell middle and high school artists will go on display Wednesday, Nov. 9, at Northwest College’s SinClair Gallery as part of the Wyoming Junior Duck Stamp Program’s 2016 Artwork Tour.
The exhibit showcases the first, second and third place winners as well as honorable mentions in the Wyoming level of the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program. Students from around the state submit artwork each year featuring native North American waterfowl species, which are judged on the basis of original design, anatomical accuracy, artistic composition and suitability for reproduction on a 1-by-1.5- inch stamp. Five-hundred entries were submitted for the 2016 contest.
Students also included a conversation message with their art which summarizes what they learned through the program. Jesse Erickson, age 16, of Powell submitted the winning message, “Conserving wetlands and wildlife habitats is crucial not only for the wildlife, but also for future generations of people.”
Local students represented in the show from grades seven through nine include first place winner Brianna Simmons of Powell. Simmons’ work titled “Fulvous Whistling Duck” was named fourth runner-up in the Best of Show competition. Powell second place winners include Magdalene Cruz and Jaighden Rayment. Rayment’s piece was also recognized for outstanding creativity. Rachel Bonander and Jasmyne Lensegrav, both of Powell, took third place finishes.
Powell students earning honorable mentions in grades seven-nine are Aubrie Stenerson, Gabri Lundberg, Kenlee Stenlund, Brylee Schuler, Hartly Thorington, Taytum Sessions, Lucy Sullivan, Colten Johannson, Rylee Ramsey, Kourtney Rowton, Ashtyn Heny and McKinsey Lynn.
In the grade 10-12 group, Rayven Faxon of Powell won a second place along with creative recognition. Braden Schiller and Rachel Walker (both of Powell) took thirds.
Grade 10-12 honorable mentions went to Meg Hanlin, Toby Hooper, Jordan Walsh, Sara McCullough, Demi Dusenberry, Sarah Liggett, Claire Miner, Alexandrea Foster, Rachel Hallman, Addison Petrie, Joey Haire and Max Gallagher. Mallory Triplett from Ralston also received an honorable mention in the high school category.
The Powell High School students study under Jim Gilman.
“I encourage the community to come see the wonderful art created by our young people,” said Denise Kelsay, NWC’s art and galleries coordinator. “Powell is well represented in this show. We have a lot to be proud of.”
The junior duck stamp program uses both conservation and design principles to teach wetland habitat and waterfowl biology to students in kindergarten through high school. It provides an opportunity for students to artistically express their knowledge of the diversity, interdependence and beauty of wildlife.
The “2016 Wyoming Junior Duck Stamp Exhibit” will hang through Friday, Dec. 16, in SinClair Gallery. Located in the Orendorff Building, the gallery is officially open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., however, the public is invited to view this special exhibit any weekday from 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Admission is free.
