MARION -- Marion High School art students are making their mark on the art world in several arenas.
Earlier in the month, 27 MHS students had work accepted for display in the Teen Spirit Art Show at the Yeiser Gallery in Paducah, KY.
The Teen Spirit Art Show was created in 1993 as part of an ongoing effort to support the area's art programs and to recognize the talented youth of the region, according to MHS art teacher Amber Akes.
"Teen Spirit has come to symbolize the success of art education in the area," she said. " This show is a tribute to all the schools, students, teachers, and other art professionals, whose outstanding work and enthusiasm over the years have been integral to the success of the exhibition."
That show included 200 works.
Two MHS students earned honors. Dani Kinsey earned an honorable mention for "River of Dreams." Emma Sprague won the Yeiser Volunteer Award for "Cat Bird."
With that honor barely in the books, Akes' students locked in 63 awards in this year's National Scholastic Art Show.
"Our regional show is hosted by the Mitchell Museum in Mt. Vernon," said Akes. "Any student who received the Visionary Award or a Gold Key advances to compete in New York. Their artwork has been forwarded to the New York panel already for the start of judging."
Fifteen MHS students are in that group.
Kennadee Gabby won the Gold Key Visionary Award.
Winning Gold Key Awards are Gabby, Elijah Bearden, Neveeha Campbell, Maleah Hunt (2 awards), Raini King, Danielle Kinsey, Yulissa Mendez, Athene Palmer, Emma Pyatt (2 awards), Lillian Seresbeno, Abigail Sproul, and Reid. Williamson.
MHS students also racked up 24 Silver Key Awards and 24 Honorable Mentions.
The show at Mitchell Museum opens in January. The Awards ceremony will take place at the close of the show in February.
