Nearly 200 middle and high school students representing nine school districts in Clackamas County will share their artistic talents publicly when the eighth annual Clackamas Education Service District Regional Art Show opens March 25.
More than 30 teachers in 23 schools submitted student work to this year’s art show, which will be held at Clackamas ESD’s administrative headquarters at 13455 SE 97th Ave. in Clackamas, Ore. A virtual version of the show also will open online March 25.
Returning as sponsors of the 2024 art show are Pacific Northwest College of Art, Clackamas Community College, Venvino Art Studios and Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts.
“The art show is a highlight of the year for all of us at Clackamas ESD,” said Larry Didway, Clackamas ESD superintendent. “Every year, I am further amazed at the level of artistic talent students of all ages exhibit, and the depth of emotion conveyed in so many of their works. This show is a true celebration of the power of art to move us, activate us and inspire us.”
Public middle and high school art teachers in Clackamas County select student work to submit to the show. This year’s event includes many types of media, including drawing, paintings, photography, digital art, ceramics and other three-dimensional art. The full gallery of art will be available online beginning March 25 at clackesd.org/2024artshow. Those who want to visit the exhibit in person can do so during Clackamas ESD’s regular business hours – Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
All entries will be adjudicated by a panel of art professionals. Grade-level honors and other special awards will be presented at an artist reception and awards ceremony Thursday, April 25 at 6 p.m. at Clackamas ESD headquarters. Award winners will receive a variety of prizes, including free art classes and scholarships, art supplies and gift cards, and the opportunity to showcase work at another upcoming regional art event – all thanks to generous support from PNCA, Clackamas Community College, Venvino Art Studios and the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts.
“This is a joyful community event, and we could not pull it off without the dedicated partnership of dozens of middle and high school art teachers, who spend so many extra hours curating student work to exhibit in our show,” Didway added. “The continuous support of our four generous sponsors is a huge bonus, allowing us to honor award-winning students with meaningful prizes. I am so proud to be part of a community that places such a high priority on cultivating and celebrating students’ artistic talents.”
