DELOACH—Homer is chock-full of artistic talent, but teenagers specifically have fewer outlets and options than adults. Still, they seek opportunities where available. On April 3, a gallery for Kenai Peninsula students’ art will open. Among the displays will be both ceramic inventions, and the art class’s works. Work from students between grades 7 and 12 throughout the entire borough will be on display.
This week leading up to final product call is hectic—Maygen Janetta has already spent much of the week frantically glazing and firing pots to get them ready to be shipped by Tuesday. She encouraged all of her students to spend the week glazing to get more of the bisque-ware off the shelves they’ve been stationed at since last quarter. The bisque kiln has also been under stress, in its near constant use all week. “I’ve never rushed the bisque this much,” Janetta said, holding a large coil pot that was still steaming as she helped a student glaze it.
Both Janetta and art teacher Alayne Tetor have been sorting through work and discussing the show with students, picking what they deem as the most prolific pieces to fill their 18 slots at the show in Kenai. The show, intended to advocate and support art classes in school systems, will be presenting the chosen pieces in a professional gallery setting. All the submitted pieces will be on display for the full month of April.
Competition is also involved with the show—the two categories, middle and high school, will have a first, second, and third place winner, as well as honorable mentions. Prizes include a package of markers, drawing pencils, and a hard-bound sketchbook to the first place winner. High School Best of Show will receive a $50 gift certificate to Beemuns, and Middle School, $25. Judging will be done during the second week of display.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough Art Show has provided an outlet for teens to display their works in a professional environment. Exposure to this atmosphere will introduce students to the world of a professional artist, as well as support art classes in all the schools on the peninsula. The incentive of a prize aside, this is a wonderful opportunity for a wide spectrum of teens.