Tag: Emergence

Create Your Journey

An annual contest for all Wasatch County School District students kindergarten through 12th grade. Categories include 2-D Drawing, Painting, Graphic Design, Photography, 3D Pottery, and Sculpted Work.

Top Winners
Grade 9-12

Naomi Marie Hansen
Wasatch High School

A Colorful Discovery

My name is Naomi Hansen. I am a sophomore at Wasatch High School and I am 16 years old. I’ve been taking drawing lessons since I was eight and have loved it ever since I started. My favorite medium is colored pencils, but I love experimenting with various materials as well. I am also an avid reader, movie enthusiast, and technological design student. After high school I would love to be able to combine my skills as an artist and an engineer.
I know sometimes it’s easy to feel limited, constricted, or stuck. I’ve certainly felt that, especially this past year. Feeling as though I was trapped in a black and white world, my life has been anything but colorful. Drawing has helped me get out of my constrictions. I managed to get out of that bleak world, and find color. This drawing is a self portrait, representing my getting out of that dark place to find a brighter one. I created my own path.

Zealand Bowhuis
Wasatch High School

Out There

This is my journey since I love to be in the outdoors. I am always either exploring or researching on where my next adventure will be. This drawing specifically is from a Uintah backpacking trip up to granddaddy basin.”
Zealand is just finishing his sophomore year at Wasatch High School. In addition to art classes, he enjoys being on the mountain biking team there. He also just completed his first year with the Park City freeski team, competing in rail jam and slopestyle. He is passionate about fly fishing and equally passionate about fly tying. Zealand is an ambassador for Moonlit Fly Fishing and loves teaching fly tying to children in the Heber Valley. His art typically revolves around his outdoor interests. Fun fact: Zealand just started his first commissioned art piece, designing a tattoo for a flyfisher who came across him while demonstrating at a fly tying expo.

Amber Johnson
Wasatch High School

Through The Lens

My name is Amber Johnson! I am 17 years old and a junior at good old Wasatch High school. I really enjoy art and have taken an art class every year. I love painting, I mainly use acrylic paint. I also am a student athlete; I play on the high school volleyball team, and I love it! I will do anything for a good chuckle. My mom says that I’m funny, so if the painting thing doesn’t work out I will become a comedian.
The world can be a dry and secluded place. You may feel like you’re wondering through a colorless desert. However, if you look at life through a new perspective you might just see the beauty that is all around you. You can make your world a flourishing, colorful scene. It’s up to you to create your beautiful own journey through life.

GRADES 9-12

Chosen from 31 entries

Drawing
1^st | Naomi M Hansen
2^nd | Zealand Bowhuis
3^rd | Paige Woodward
3^rd | Asha Chappell
Honorable Mention:
Elissa Ross

Painting
1^st | Amber Johnson
Graphic design
1^st | Isaac Heath
Sculpted work
1^st | Maddox Leavitt
2^nd | Roger Cameron
3^rd| Natalee Himojosa

Top Winners
Grades K-2

Chosen from 18 entries

Axolotl in the Water

Lucy Hagen
Old Mill Elementary

I love axolotls. I love them so much. This painting is me seeing a real axolotl in the water. I painted it because I love axolotls and I want to be one. I painted it with a cute face and a cute body.

Drawing
1^st | Hayden McAnnally
2^nd | Ryan Sullivan
3^rd | Skyler Jarvis
3^rd | Claire Miller

Painting
1^st | Lucy Hagan
2^nd | Claire Hagan
3^rd | Jane Christensen
Sculpted work
1^st | Edie Cucchiarelli
2^nd | Landon Welling
3^rd | Luke Bitner

Top Winners
Grades 3-5

Chosen from 72 entries

Holding the Earth

Amelia Hagen
Old Mill Elementary

This sculpture is about being kind to the earth and the people on it. I want my journey in life to be helping the earth stay cleaner and be nice to others. I love going on walks, picking up trash and seeing the beautiful things. (Mom note: Amelia had this project nearly finished and her little sister accidentally knocked it off the counter, breaking off the wrist and punching in one of the thumbs. Instead of getting mad she just picked it up and said “That’s ok, accidents happen” and comforted her sister before fixing it. This sculpture captures her kind heart.)

Drawing
1^st | Julio Gonzalez Nunez
2^nd | Maicol Maxwell Phillips
3^rd | Ethan Strangis
3^rd | Kaitlyn Cook
Graphic design
1^st | Hazel Jarvis

Painting
1^st | Sophie Hansen
2^nd | Skyler Phillips
3^rd | Matteus Berg
3^rd | Evelyn Moulton
Sculpted work
1^st | Amelia Hagan
2^nd | Olivia Osguthorpe
3^rd | Blakely Puett

Top Winners
Grades 6-8

Chosen from 173 entries

Across the Globe

Michayla Scheuller
Rocky Mountain Middle School

I created a watercolor painting of an open suitcase with different places around the world in it because I love to visit different places and experience new things. Especially to make memories with my family.

Beach Vibes

Anistyn Battles
Rocky Mountain Middle School

I drew a beach landscape. This is a part of my journey because I’ve just always loved the beach and it makes me happy. I’ve learned a lot of new things from that.

The Beauty of the Outdoors

Aceden Bouwhuis
Rocky Mountain Middle School

This photo was shot at Bryce Canyon. It represents my journey because I absolutely love being outdoors and in nature. Also, I like to think: Life has many ups and downs, but no matter where you are, go outside.

Drawing
1^st | Maria Valdez
2^nd | Kalia Webb
3^rd | Ben Lawson
3^rd | Jocelyn Epperson
Painting
1^st | Michayla Scheuller
2^nd | Ellie Karl
3^rd| Jennalee Townley
3^rd| Paige Sorensen

Graphic design
1^st | Anistyn Battles
2^nd | Audrey Hunsaker
3^rd | Emmett Ray
Sculpted work
1^st  | Sophia Brown
2^nd | Savannah
          Tiedemann
3^rd | Kennedi Hunt
Photography
1^st  | Aceden Bowhuis
2^nd | Michaela Jarvis
3^rd  | Alexa Goode
June 5, 2023
Emerging Young Artists

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

Edgar Degas

The emergence art contest is in its second year and is already gaining good traction. The theme this year was “My Place in the World.” The theme really inspired the youth of Heber to think of and express the interaction they have with the world we live in.
Last year there were 175 entries, and this year entries soared at 255. Angie Neuberger, president of Wasatch Parent Network for the high school, was thrilled with the increased submissions. There were a lot more entries from the upper grades. She shared, “We’re wanting it to be for everyone, but we really want it to be for those older kids to really kind of just showcase their art.” She feels that it is important to provide the youth of the valley with that opportunity.
Five judges gave their time and talents to look over every single entry. They had the difficult job of selecting winners in five visual arts categories in four age groups between grades K-12. The categories included: sculptured work, painting, drawing, photography, and graphic design. Judges selected three winners in each category for each age group and then chose seven top winners overall. The top winners were honored in a school board presentation April 21st.
What makes this contest a success? It is all about the community coming together in collaboration. Wasatch Parent Network, Wasatch School District, Wasatch Arts Council, and Heber Valley Life Magazine, all join forces to bring this to fruition. This year, Angie received an $800 grant from the Wasatch Arts Council that helped in providing prizes, advertising, and potentially cover the costs associated with framing the artwork for display in the school district board room.
Angie and the team enjoyed discovering how each of the artists’ expressed their place in the world through art. And, they look forward to continuing the opportunity for the youth of Wasatch County to grow into young artists.

Overall Winners
Grade 9-12

Lacee Liles
Sailing Through Waters

Sailing Through Waters – Acrylic Paint

Lacee Liles, a Wasatch High 9th grader, started painting when she was eight, but looking at her work it would be easy to think she has been painting for much longer. Lacee’s interest in art piqued as she went to arts and crafts fairs around town as a child. She loved the look of different paintings and wanted to try her own hand at the craft. She humbly says, “I just started trying to paint from pictures and different things, and I guess I picked it up somehow.” With help from a few online videos she learned how to properly use her brushes and how to perfect different techniques. She explaines, “I kind of taught myself.” Lacee has taken a couple classes, but most of what she’s learned has been from experimenting with her medium of choice, acrylic paint, at home. Lacee’s purpose in creating art is simple: enjoyment. Art for Lacee is one of her favorite things to do. She squeezes it into her schedule whenever she can throughout her week.
Speaking of her painting, Lacee shares, “Just as a sailboat belongs on the water, I belong in the world.” She says that for both a sailboat and an individual, success comes by knowing where to go, how to get there, and by preparing for problems that may arise. She also acknowledges the need for help from others on our journey. Lacee’s no stranger to this idea; as the only painter in her family, Lacee was apprehensive about entering the contest. Lacee’s mom stepped in to help by providing Lacee with the encouragement she needed. Lacee shares, “I wasn’t going to enter, and my mom kept telling me to do it, so, then I finally just decided to enter.”
Lacee has lived in the Heber Valley her entire life. Her favorite thing about the valley is the pretty scenery. Her hopes for the future: “I just hope that people enjoy what I paint. I hope to be able to paint like a professional.” Lacee dreams of making painting her career; having already sold four paintings, she’s off to a really great start.

Overall Winners
Grade 9-12

Keeley Shae Tuttle
Blissful Morning

Blissful Morning – Water Color

There is no doubt about it: Keeley loves art! Creativity has always been an important part of her life. “Honestly, I think I’ve been making art ever since I’ve been alive. I’ve always loved drawing, and coloring, and painting ever since I was little,” she shares.
As a senior, Keeley has taken as many of the art classes as she has had time for. This includes two drawing classes, painting, pottery, and jewelry. It was her painting class that inspired this watercolor piece. While she does enjoy the layering that she can do with watercolors, watercolors aren’t her favorite medium. She actually likes painting with acrylics or drawing more. However, for Keeley, it’s less about the medium and more about what creating does for her. “For me, I’m able to zone into a project and it’s just very relaxing for me. It’s just something I can do with my free time and something I can feel proud of,” Keeley explaines.
About her piece, Keeley shares, “I love the feeling that my picture evokes. It has a peaceful and calming effect for me. I think the contrast of colors in the rocks gives it a dramatic effect.” She appreciates the wonderful color pallets that nature offers her. Whether she is camping or boating, she feels constantly inspired by her time spent in nature.
Keeley is headed to Dixie State University this fall. She’s unsure of what she wants to study, but she really wants art to be a part of her future. She never really knew if she could make it as an artist, but with encouragement from both her mom and her art teacher, she’s gaining confidence and recognizing the talent she has. In Keeley’s behalf, her art teacher entered another one of her paintings in a separate contest — and she won. Keeley’s mom was the one who pushed her to enter the Emergence contest. Keeley confides, “I love art so much and it’s such an enjoyable thing for me. So, to have a career that would be related in art would be amazing.”

Overall Winners
Grade 9-12

Avery Springer
Growth

Growth – Sculpture

When Avery was given the school assignment of sculpting her face, she really had no idea where the project would take her. With a love for nature and incorporating it into her artwork, she was inspired to add leaves to the face. The product for her was a little unexpected. It wasn’t until she was finished that she realized the significance and meaning. For Avery, the act of creating and finishing the sculpture came to represent the growth and potential in her life.
Avery shares, “Nature and humankind have always been seen separately. As I’ve grown up, I’ve continuously realized how much of an impact nature has on my life. For this piece, I decided to combine nature and humankind into one, while also representing growth throughout my life.”
Avery was able to create this piece in her high school pottery class. She loves the freedom her teacher, Ms. Crestman, gives her students and says of her teacher, “She is open to anything that anyone does. Any idea that anyone has, she says, ‘Yeah, go for it!’” Ms. Crestman has really influenced Avery by having no limits.
Art is therapeutic for Avery and helps her cope with everyday life. She’s been creating her whole life and loves the effect it has on her. She says, “Creating art kind of takes my mind off of things. If things are going crazy in my life, it’s something that I can focus on — just that one thing that I know I can focus on. And I like the fact that I can control what I create and create things that aren’t necessarily normal.”
Besides art, Avery enjoys time with friends and playing music. She loves playing the guitar and drums and time spent outside hiking. Her feelings about living in the Heber Valley have changed over time. She shares, “I feel like growing up I was frustrated growing up in a small town because I thought that I was missing out on experiences, but the more I grow up, the more I realize how grateful I am living here […].” The kindness of the people and the beauty of the seasons are what makes her grateful to call Heber Valley home.

Overall Winners
Grade K-8

Congratulations Top Winners

Grades K-2
Scupltured work
1^st     | Olivia Osguthorpe
2^nd    | Nellie Brown
3^rd    | Edie Mae Cucchiarelli
3^rd    | Aizley Smith
Painting
1^st    | Juliette Brown
2^nd    | Amelia Hagen
3^rd    | Claire Hagan
Drawing
1^st     | Rosalie Simons
2^nd    | Evelyn Simons
3^rd    | Oaklyn Holm

Grades 3-5
Sculptured work
1^st    | Makenzie Newman
2^nd    | Blakely Puett
3^rd    | Naomi Adams
Photography
1^st     | Duncan Russell
2^nd    | Audrey Hellman
3^rd    | Jack Cummings
Painting
1^st     | Evelyn Moulton
2^nd    | Kahiau Kitashima
3^rd    | Connor Moore
Graphic Design
1^st     | Lily Parker
1^st     | Callum Frame
Drawing
1^st     | Mia Isabella Flores
2^nd    | Bracken Holm
3^rd    | William Hansen

Grades 6-8
Sculptured work
1^st     | Zadie Mitchell
2^rd    | Reese Phillips
3^rd    | Crystal Luo
Painting
1^st     | Brooklyn Newman
2^rd    | Savannah Tiedemann
3^rd    | Emmitt Crane
3^rd    | Adilee Meuzelaar
Graphic Design
1^st     | Ade Lewis
2^rd    | Preslie Wilson
3^rd    | Lillian Grotegut
3^rd    | Carson Palmer
Drawing
1^st     | Irie Gremier
2^rd    | Brooke Sorenson
3^rd    | Miles Lange
3^rd    | Paige Henderson

Grades 9-12
Sculptured work
1^st     | Avery Springer
2^rd    | Lynzi Hallet
3^rd    | Aliya Benson
Drawing
1^st     | Asha Chappell
2^rd    | Paige Smith
3^rd    | Ava Boyd
Painting
1^st     | Lacee Liles
2^rd    | Keeley Shae Tuttle
3^rd    | Mesa Carroll
Photography
1^st     | Molly Baird
2^rd    | Siclaly Cruz
3^rd    | Kami Clyde

Thank You to our Judges

Liz Sprackland
Summer Luster
Sarah Severson

Jill Kessler
Melissa Giles
June 7, 2022

Tag: Emergence

Create Your Journey

GRADES 9-12

Emerging Young Artists

Congratulations Top Winners