Walla Walla High School artist to be honored Friday, May 20 by State Superintendent Dorn

Walla Walla High School artist to be honored Friday, May 20 by State Superintendent Dorn
Walla Walla High School Senior Madison Filan will join high school artists from around the state Friday, May 20 at the 38th Annual Superintendent's High School Art Show celebration.

Students are being recognized for their individual creativity and vision by State Superintendent Randy Dorn at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction building in Olympia. This year's theme is, "Artistic Genius in Washington State!"

Filan has won with his piece titled "Grass Land" that was created in 3D space. His piece was selected as the "SBE Choice."

The State Board of Education (SBE) and the Professional Educator's Standards Board (PESB) pieces will go to their offices once they have been on display in the OSPI foyer for one year following the awards presentation. Madison's piece will be purchased for $200. Madison plans to attend the Seattle Art Institute next year.

This year 108 regional winners, their families and teachers will be honored at the state event. Walla Walla High School Career and Technical Education Director Kirk Jameson and Technology Teacher Dennis DeBroeck will be in attendance to support Filan.

Dorn, in his third year of involvement in the Art Show, selected "Cherry Bliss" by Erica Erwin of Richland High School for the Superintendent's Award. Erwin's art teacher is Mr. Shawn Murphy.

Guest speakers and award presenters will include state education leaders and arts education association leaders from across the state, such as:
- Mack Armstrong, assistant executive director, Washington Association of School Administrators
- Kathe Taylor, interim executive director, State Board of Education
- Jonelle Adams, executive director, Washington State School Directors Association
- Una McAlinden, executive director, ArtsEdWAshington
- Virginia Lane, president, Washington Art Education Association
- Schuyler Hoss, Southwest Regional Representative

The regional winners were chosen for statewide competition from about 4,000 pieces through regional art shows at each of the states nine educational service districts. The 14 state winning pieces will be displayed in the foyer of the OSPI building for a year before going into staff offices. Ten pieces will be added to OSPI's permanent collection, which will total 316 pieces.

OSPI has created an online gallery featuring digital photos of each entry at: http://www.k12.wa.us/Arts/ArtShow/default.aspx.
For more information, please contact AnnRené Joseph, OSPI arts program supervisor, at (360) 725-6365 or AnnRene.Joseph@k12.wa.us.