SE Valley Times

Hunter Krosschell and Maggie Steimle, students at Highland High, were recognized for their artwork at the New Horizon’s Best of High School Art in the Valley exhibit. The event was held from January 9 to February 13, 2025, at the Shemer Art Center in Phoenix. Their works earned them several awards, including cash prizes.

Tanya Kohlenberg, an art teacher at Highland High, expressed her pride: “It’s an honor to help my students get their work in such a beautiful and professional exhibit. Hunter and Maggie have grown so much as artists and they’ve worked extremely hard to be where they’re at today.”

Hunter Krosschell's piece "Underneath All My Beliefs" is inspired by 90s UK rock music, particularly Oasis. It explores emotion through textures and won him the Tiki Award and Excellence in Art Award with $250 prize money. He remarked on his experience: “When I went to the exhibit and saw my piece, all I could think about was how cool it was to see my art with all the other incredible work that was featured.”

Maggie Steimle’s work "Displacement" reflects her personal journey of finding comfort in initially uncomfortable places during her time in Boston. Her artwork received the Marigold Linton Award and Robert Barnhill Award with a $50 prize. Maggie shared her feelings: “It didn’t feel real to see my art at the exhibit.”

Both students credited Mrs. Kohlenberg for pushing them artistically beyond their comfort zones.

Gilbert Public Schools emphasizes diverse learning opportunities through its visual arts curriculum.

For more information on Art Education at GPS, visit GilbertSchools.net/Student-Life/Art-Education.