5th Annual Clackamas ESD Regional Art Show Opens “Virtually”

Artwork from 107 middle and high school students representing school districts throughout Clackamas County is now virtually on display in the fifth annual Clackamas Education Service District Regional Art Show.

Normally held in person and open to the public, the show moved completely online again this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual event is presented with generous support from Pacific Northwest College of Art, One River School of Art + Design and Clackamas Community College.

“While the challenges presented by the pandemic have been daunting, many students have been able to use art as an outlet, and the samples of their work in this year’s show are stunning,” said Jada Rupley, Clackamas ESD superintendent. “It’s so inspiring to see such talent, nurtured by our region’s art teachers, on display.”

The role of school district art teachers in the show is significant. They personally curate and select student work to be entered, a task full of even more steps in this year’s distance learning environment. The 2021 art show encompasses a range of media, including painting, drawing, photography, digital art and ceramics.

Art show entries are being adjudicated by a panel of art professionals, and grade-level wards will be presented in a Facebook Live event Tuesday, April 27 at 5 p.m. Award winners will receive prizes ranging from free art classes to art scholarships, thanks to continuing support from PNCA, One River School of Art + Design and Clackamas Community College.

“We are doubly grateful this year to everyone who has helped us create a wonderful virtual event — our dedicated regional art teachers, our volunteer judges, our generous sponsors and, of course, our talented students,” said Rupley. “In a year that has brought so much pain to our communities, it is incredibly meaningful to celebrate the work of students, and honor the emotions and experiences they are revealing through their art.”