Sometimes all it takes to inspire someone to continue pursuing their artistic dreams is to give them a platform for their work. That’s one of many reasons why White Bear Center for the Arts’ annual high school visual arts and writing contests are so powerful. Each year, local students in grades 9-12 submit their poems, short stories, and essays to the writing contest, and submit paintings, sculptures, photographs, and more to the visual arts contest. The contests culminate in a month-long exhibit on display at White Bear Center for the Arts. 

The work submitted by high schoolers is judged by professional writers, teachers, and artists who have the hard but rewarding task of selecting which pieces will be on display in WBCA’s Ford Family Gallery as well as which will win awards. Artwork and written work is then hung in the “Vision & Verse: High School Visual Arts and Writing Exhibition.” WBCA has worked to unify the two contests, curating an exhibit that features artwork and writing side-by-side, which often results in a beautiful conversation between the pieces. 

Aiding in this curation are WBCA’s Studio Repose interns, a group of eight local high school students who have been interning at WBCA since January. They will be helping Exhibitions Manager Karna Holub lay out and hang the show, a crucial step in the outcome of the exhibit. With the help of the interns, this show is not only for high school students, but curated by them as well. “The opportunity to curate a show, full of pieces made by individuals who care deeply about their craft, as a part of my art-centered job, is inspiring,” said Studio Repose Intern Hannah Bradley. Along with being part of the Studio Repose internship, Hannah also has three pieces in the “Vision & Verse” exhibition. “Seeing my art in an actual gallery further deepens my investment in my art, and facilitates my progress,” she said. “It makes me feel profoundly connected with a community of young people who share my passions.”

WBCA is always packed to the gills with students, proud parents, friends, and onlookers during the “Vision & Verse” community reception and award ceremony. This event is a chance for students to celebrate their achievements, whether it be in writing or visual art, and to view the exhibit in its entirety. The night often has a sense of anticipation as the judges declare who will go home with awards and cash prizes. 

Orchestrating the whole exhibit and reception is Exhibitions Manager Karna Holub, who has now worked on five of WBCA’s high school exhibits. “It’s fulfilling to see these young artists go from seeing their work on a desk, easel, wheel, or computer to seeing it come to life displayed in a gallery setting,” Karna said. “And then the icing on the cake is sharing that success with their peers, friends, and family at the community reception.” This year’s reception will be on Thursday, April 24th, from 6:00-8:00 PM, with the award ceremony starting at 7:00 PM. 

For many students, this is their first time exhibiting their work in a gallery setting. Seeing their work in a space like the Ford Family Gallery, with its professional lighting, hanging, and curation, gives validity to their artistic endeavors and can encourage them to continue on this artistic path past high school. Sometimes, all you need is a little push.