by Joe Bollig
joe.bollig@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — During his talk at the 10th Archbishop’s Invitational High School Art Exhibition, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann shared a bit of artistic wisdom passed to him.
“Whenever you look at an art piece you have to ask yourself, ‘What is the artist trying to communicate — what are they trying to show?’” said the archbishop.
The Catholic high school students at the exhibit awards ceremony and reception, held on March 1 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas, had a lot to show about this year’s theme: “With the Heart of a Shepherd.”
The annual exhibition was co-sponsored by the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas, the Catholic Fine Arts Council, the archdiocesan Catholic school office and Savior Pastoral Center.
“The exhibition is held to give Catholic high school students the opportunity to express their faith through their art,” said Beth Lopez, operations coordinator for CFNEK.
There were 41 art pieces on display produced by 39 students — a couple of students had double entries — from five Catholic high schools: St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park; St. James Academy in Lenexa; Maur Hill-Mount Academy in Atchison; Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park; and Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas.
Eight students won eight awards, although only six were on hand to receive them. The two students from St. James could not attend because of a scheduling conflict with a school event.
Each student winner received a certificate and monetary award ranging from $100 to $200. The judges were Julie Flanagan, Lesle Knop, Barb Mizik and Father Anthony Saiki.
All the art pieces are for sale, and one — “Heart of the Shepherd” — had already been sold the day of the reception and awards ceremony.
Archbishop’s Choice — the highest award — was won by Grace Kissell, a junior at St. James for her work, “Heart of the Shepherd.” The upper part features Jesus embracing an individual; the middle part, a crown of thorns; and the lower section, a realistic human heart.
Superintendent’s Choice — second place — was won by Sophia Werkowitch, a senior from St. Thomas Aquinas. She’s a return winner, having won two Juror’s Choice awards last year. Her art piece “In His Care” features a peacefully sleeping lamb surrounded by stylized thorns and wolves.
“I really wanted to emphasize the attack on Jesus’ heart, the lamb,” said Werkowitch. “The wolves are biting down and enshrouded in the thorns, but if you pay attention the wolves are not actually hurting the lamb, who is asleep. Through God’s grace, we are safe and content.”
Popular Choice was won by Kayzeen Bhamani, a senior at St. Thomas Aquinas. Her art piece, “The Harmony of God’s Creation,” shows Jesus opposite a sheep against a swirl of three colors.
“[I’m trying to communicate] the relationship between everyday people, animals and God, and how we are all connected in some way,” said Bhamani.
The students who won Judge’s Choice awards were Sophia Zacharias, “Perfectly Imperfect,” senior, St. James; Grace Stella, “God Is Among Us,” junior, Bishop Miege; Clare Trotter, “The Shepherd’s Invitation,” sophomore, Maur Hill-Mount; Nora Adams, “Gentle Soul,” junior, Maur Hill-Mount; and Lola Knauff, “God Our Shepherd,” junior, Bishop Miege.
The event began with a light breakfast and a viewing of the art in the gallery. It was followed by a welcome by archdiocesan associate superintendent of schools Allison Carney, an interactive art activity by Catholic Fine Arts Council member Julie Flanagan, and a blessing and comments by Archbishop Naumann followed by the awards presentation.
The art exhibition is open to viewing by the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until April 30. The art may be purchased by cash or check at the pastoral center office, located at 12601 Parallel Pkwy.
To view more photos from the art event, click here.
