By Tanner Rosenberry
Mark Twain Middle School art teacher Shana Chandler couldn’t have been more pleased with how her students did in their first art show.
“Five of our students received awards and three of our students had pieces selected for the show which featured the top artistic talent in the Willamette Valley,” Chandler said.
Mark Twain students Samantha Cross, Dylan Davis, Gabriella Frassenei, Ava Krueger and Curtis Southern are recipients of Willamette Valley Scholastic Art Awards. More than 300 middle and high school students from 14 schools participated in the contest.
“I am honored to receive this prestigious award,” Southern said.
“I was surprised to get this great award,” Davis said.
Chandler sets high expectations for her students because she believes they are capable of reaching them.
“It is very rewarding when they begin to believe it too,” she said. “Taking part in a juried show is an excellent way to extend their classroom experience and validate their work.”
The students received their awards in January and their work was displayed at the Benton County Museum.
“The award ceremony was inspiring, all the art was amazing and beautiful. The prizes included all of the different art supplies for sculpting, painting and drawing. It was definitely an event I want to do again,” Cross said.
Chandler invites community members to view her students’ artwork by visiting The Gathering Spot, 106 First St., or online at www.marktwainmiddle.silverfalls.orvsd.org and click on “Art.”
