Visual Arts State Festival celebrates Spotlight on the Arts recipients
Posted: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - 11:24 AM
Since 2001, the Minnesota State High School League's Visual Arts State Festival recognizes students who achieved Spotlight on the Arts honors at the section level.
A celebration of students, their visions and their artistry will be on display during the Minnesota State High School League’s Visual Arts State Festival on Saturday, May 10 at the Perpich Center for Arts Education in Golden Valley. The event is a celebration, not a competition, and honors the creativity and dedication of each participant who received Spotlight on the Arts recognition at the section level.
Nearly 125 students from Member Schools throughout the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota are registered for the event that includes gallery-style viewing and an awards ceremony that recognizes the participants with a Spotlight on the Arts trophy, a certificate and a pin. During the awards ceremony, Eastview educator Zach Prax, a member of the League’s Board of Directors, will share a reflection on the value of participation in the Fine Arts.
Mercedes Scheie of Warren-Alvarado-Oslo is the only participant with three works of art that received Spotlight on the Arts recognition at the section level. Ten others received that recognition for two works. They are Avery Monson, Redwood Valley; Daisy Hall, Pelican Rapids; Emily Johnson, Lakeville North; Henry Vetsch, New London-Spicer; Kaitlyn Evjen, Brandon-Evansville; Khylie Watson, Underwood; Megan Delaney, Roseau; Megan Marek, Tri-City United; Sophia Kruschke, Belle Plaine and Taliea Honga, Menahga. Students are permitted to submit artworks into one or more categories.
There are 12 categories in Visual Arts:
- Drawing
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Film-based Photography
- Digital Photography
- Video Art
- Computer-based Artwork
- Crafts
- Print Making
- Ceramics
- 2D Mixed Media/Collage
- Graphic Design
“Since 2001, the League’s Visual Arts State Festival is an opportunity to showcase our students and their incredible works,” said Tim Leighton, the League’s staff liaison to the Visual Arts program. “In this gallery-style setting, visitors will have a chance to meet the artists and understand the vision, passion and energy they put into their works. The League and its Member Schools are excited to celebrate with these amazing students.”
Here is the schedule of the Visual Arts State Festival:
- 10 a.m. - noon: Check in and installation of works
- Noon - 1:45 p.m.: Viewing
- 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.: Awards Ceremony, Performance Hall
- 3 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Deinstallation of works
More information: mshsl.org/sports-and-activities/visual-arts
