Art students receive awards at Watermark

Watermark Art Center presented several awards during the recent opening of the spring high school exhibit. As part of the exhibit's opening reception, the public was invited to vote on their favorite pieces of artwork. Gift certificates for art supplies were awarded for the top choices in each art medium.

Presenting the awards was Sarah Kuesel from Affinity Plus, sponsor of the high school exhibit.

"We are so proud of all our area students and the amazing artwork they created for the show," said Watermark Art Education Program Coordinator Jill Oakes in a release. "We are grateful to Affinity Plus for their support. Their generosity not only encourages our young people to continue to pursue their talents, it also makes a positive impact on our art community at large."

Watermark was able to increase the number of awards given compared to previous years. Gift certificates for this year's exhibit were awarded in several categories, including mixed media, photography, painting, sculpture and ceramics.

The high school spring exhibit will be on display at Watermark through April 27.

1/2: Students from Bemidji High School won People’s Choice Award in the ceramics category for a totem pole they collaborated on together. Pictured from left in front: Kaija Matalamaki, Krista Corrick, Gabby Archambault and Affinity Plus Representative Sarah Kuesel. Back: Darius Stamps and Billie Franklin. Submitted photo.

2/2: Sarah Keusel of Affinity Plus presents an award to Trek North student Josie Joyce, who won the People’s Choice Award in painting. Submitted photo.