HUNDREDS OF CREATIVE artwork will brighten the halls of Kingsford Schools in preparation for the annual Association of Student Artists Exhibition set for Monday, April 14. Here, Kingsford High School student Evelyn Langin works on her “Passion Project.” (Submitted photo)
KINGSFORD — The hallways at Kingsford High and Middle School will soon be transformed into an art gallery in preparation of the Association of Student Artists Exhibition on Monday, April 14.
Public viewing April 14 will take place from 4 to 6 p.m., with light refreshments available from 5:30 to 6 p.m. in the gym.
Organizers will also have a hashtag sculpture activity, using blocks with written hashtag messages, for guests to create while they wait for the awards ceremony to begin at 6 p.m., said Miranda Johnson, art teacher for the Goodman-Armstrong Creek School District.
The 31st-annual show will feature more than 600 pieces from area high school art students in a wide variety of mediums, including watercolor, acrylic and oil paintings; pencil, ink, charcoal and graphite drawings; 3-D sculptures; macrame; and digital.
“We are completely open to what they want to submit, but it must be from the 2024-25 school year,” Johnson said.
THE ANNUAL ASSOCIATION of Student Artists Exhibition is set for Monday, April 14, at Kingsford Schools. A variety of mediums — including paintings, drawing, sculptures, paintings and pottery — can be viewed from 4 to 6 p.m., with the awards ceremony beginning at 6 p.m. Here, Kingsford High School student Alex Ryan shows her clay coil basket. (Submitted photo)
ASA school participants that will have work on display are Kingsford, Iron Mountain, Norway, West Iron County in Iron River and Forest Park in Crystal Falls; plus Florence, Niagara, Beecher-Dunbar-Pembine and Goodman-Armstrong Creek in Wisconsin.
This year’s theme is “Building Community Through the Arts.”
“I think it’s perfect — ASA is building an art community outside just the Iron Mountain-Kingsford area,” Johnson said.
The 2017 KHS graduate, who was involved in ASA under KHS Art Teacher Sarah Western her four years of high school, said her biggest goal when she was hired at G-AC in 2022 was to get her students involved.
She was not only successful but had one of her art students win the People’s Choice Award that first year.
“Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design — MIAD — granted her a scholarship. It was so incredible,” Johnson said.
West Iron County School District also came on board that same year, with Forest Park becoming the newest member this year.
“I’m so happy it’s expanding — this allows the opportunity for more young students to be able to showcase their talent in the area of visual arts,” she said. “It also provides a chance for them to receive recognition for their hard work.”
During the program, 60 students will receive Merit Awards, along with the naming of Best in Show and People’s Choice.
The public is encouraged to vote for their favorite piece during the two-hour viewing time. Ballots will be counted and announced live at the event, Johnson said.
Merit Awards are done differently each year, she said. This year’s recipients will receive a trophy and Best in Show and People’s Choice will be presented with a surprise gift.
Several students can also earn scholarships based on their portfolio review presented to the multiple college judges.
“It’s a great opportunity for them to realize that art is more than just creating that one piece — it could be a future career,” Johnson said. “Art is everywhere you look, from designing clothes or buildings to content creators for social media.”
Johnson explained she was able to attend and graduate from Milwaukee Institute Art and Design because she received a scholarship through ASA.
Participating colleges will also have representatives and information tables set up during the exhibition.
“It’s incredible to see how talented these students are,” she said. “They put their blood, sweat and tears into their projects and care deeply about what they are doing.”
The ASA was founded during the 1993-1994 school year as a way to integrate high school art students into the local communities and to promote art education.
Joe Stevens, owner of Steven’s Decorating, saw the quality works of students coming into the shop to get framed and wanted to help honor their hard work and creativity.
Stevens met with the Iron Mountain and Kingsford art teachers to create a plan. Original ASA members included art teachers Wayne Wilson, KHS; Deb Chartier, IMHS; Shelly Danielson, Norway; and Todd Worple, Florence. Betsy Holster, IMHS, and Tim Zablocki, North Dickinson County, also joined the group in its early stages.
Residents Elsa Brule and Sashi Mahadev stepped forward to provide the funding for the Artist of the Month luncheons at the Chippewa Club for the art students and teachers. Brule also supported the organization by creating the easel program, working with Don Khory of Khory Manufacturing.
Today, the Association of Student Artists hosts five “Artist of the Month” luncheons each school year. Students enjoy lunch, a short viewing, critique session and a featured guest artist.
Johnson said each school does voting differently; however, no names are attached to the artwork — everything remains anonymous.
“Art is a great way to express emotion, I love to see these students thrive in the classroom,” she said. “We are continuously building community.”
ASA expressed their appreciation for the support they received over the years, including Tamara Juul of the Dickinson County Community Foundation, Jon Pryor of First Bank and members of the Chippewa Club.
“We are very thankful to all the businesses and individuals that cherish the arts as much as we do, because we do want to keep this alive,” she said.
Johnson encourages everyone to attend the event and witness the students’ talents firsthand. The viewing is free, but donations will be accepted at the door.
