Calvert art students recognized by state

TIFFIN — Calvert High School art students earned statewide recognition at this year's Ohio Governor's Youth Art Exhibition, with multiple works placing in the Top 25 entries out of thousands submitted across the state. Seven student pieces advanced through judging, with two ultimately selected for the exhibition's Top 25. The Ohio Governor's Youth Art Exhibition is open to high school students statewide, with each student allowed to submit up to five pieces. This year, a total of 5,787 works were entered, with 1,167 advancing to regional judging. Of those 1000+ works, 250 are selected for the exhibition, and with a Top 25 distinction. Top honors across mediums Senior Lilly Dysard was one of several recognized at the highest level, earning a Top 25 selection for an aluminum dragon sculpture she submitted. She also submitted a colored pencil drawing of a parrot that was accepted into the exhibition. "I was definitely excited that I got back into the show, I was even more excited to find out I was Top 25," said Dysard. Sophomore Hope Waire also earned a Top 25 distinction for a scratchboard piece featuring disco balls, a significant accomplishment early in her high school career. "It was nerve-wracking for sure," said Waire. "But if you work hard at things, you can achieve them. I put a lot of time into my project." State-level success continues Other Calvert students also found success at the state level. Senior Cohen Stull earned a state win with a scratchboard portrait of musician NBA YoungBoy, while sophomore Maya Steyer had two works: a white charcoal piece and a scratchboard drawing of a hedgehog. "I didn't expect to win state, but I put a lot of time into my pieces," Steyer said. "If you work hard at it, I think you can really do anything." Senior Scarlett Faber, another repeat participant, earned a state-level win with a painting based on an ocean she photographed while in Mykonos, Greece. Faber received recognition in previous years for a large-scale sculpture she entered. "It's cool to be able to go and see all the different types of artwork people my age are doing," she said. "We put a lot of hours into everything we do, so it is nice to be recognized." There were also several students who entered glassblowing works, with two advancing to state-level judging. Instructors perspective Marla Shultz, Calvert's Advanced Art and Yearbook instructor, said this year's results reflect both the students' effort and the program's continued growth. "Seven different pieces and two Top 25 distinctions, it is pretty awesome," Shultz said. "I never dreamed of having two in one year." Shultz, who is in her 26th year of teaching, said she focuses on developing each student's strengths across mediums– from painting and scratchboard to three-dimensional work. "I know everyone learns differently, and I embrace that," she said. "Having different levels win is a testament to that."