Submitted by the San Juan Island School District.
A big shout out to senior Larissa Mauldin whose ceramic sculpture Broken was selected as an award winner for the 50th Annual OSPI Superintendent’s High School Art Show. Larissa joins a growing number of FHHS art students who have had the distinct honor of being selected.
Larissa’s ceramic sculpture submission was initially selected to represent the Northwest ESD 189 region. This is an impressive victory when you consider NWESD serves 35 school districts in five different counties. Approximately 16 percent of the State’s K-12 public school students are served in the region’s school districts, which range from large to small, urban to rural.
Janet Hayakawa, OSPI Associate Director of The Arts, stated, “Congratulations! Your artwork, Broken, has been selected to receive the WA State PTA Award in the 2023 Superintendent’s High School Art Show. We invite you to accept your award at this year’s Art Show Award Ceremony on May 30 dien 1-3 p.m. followed by a reception, at Benaroya Hall in Seattle. There are over a million students in Washington, and you are one of a select group to receive this award! We celebrate your hard work and accomplishments. Thank you for your dedication to developing your skills in the arts.”
In a message from the State Superintendent Chris Reykdal wrote, “In Washington, we believe the arts are an essential part of preparing our students for postsecondary pathways, careers, and civic engagement by developing skills for comprehending and engaging with our world. For 50 years, the High School Art Show has recognized excellence in the arts. Today, we celebrate the creativity and artistic skill of this year’s award winners who come from every corner of our beautiful state. We also acknowledge and celebrate the educators who support these amazing students.”
“I’m both shocked and honored to have received this award,” expressed Senior Larissa Mauldin,
“While making my pieces, I usually aim to make my artwork evoke an emotional response from the viewer as I think that’s an important part of art. I’m thrilled to be able to share my work with others and bring light to important personal and social issues. I couldn’t have done this on my own so a huge thank you to everybody who made this possible!”
“Once again Larissa’s wins a well-deserved artistic victory,” said Andrew Anderson, Friday Harbor High School Art Teacher. “It is not easy to be selected amongst the best young artist in Washington State. She has worked extremely hard over the years and I’m very proud of her and all she has accomplished. I know Larissa will go on to do great things. It has been a privilege working with her and she will be sincerely missed next fall.”
This is the 50th Annual OSPI Superintendent Art Show and to celebrate this historic milestone the awards ceremony will take place at the Seattle Symphony’s Benaroya Hall instead of the Old State Capital Building. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal and Governor Jay Inslee will be among the many speakers at this event.
