Student Spotlight 2022, FEA. ADDISON EGNEW & AVA KOLB
SHOWING Fri, June 3 - Mon, July 11 @ Driftless Historium
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The 3rd Annual Student Spotlight art show debuts on Friday, June 3. "Staying Inspired" features the work of Mount Horeb High School Sophomore Ava Kolb and Junior Addison Egnew.
This partner installation will be on display and open to all in the Kalscheur Family Foundation Community Gallery during the museum’s open hours through Monday, July 11. The pieces in “Staying Inspired” represent a variety of artistic mediums and styles, but all are an embodiment of hope in the midst of pandemic upheaval and uncertainty. Kolb and Egnew describe the process of creating art as central to maintaining emotional balance; art, the duo writes, “allowed them to find peace in the chaos of it all.” Besides the age-old challenges of adolescence, young people like Kolb and Egnew now navigate a nearly inescapable digital ecosystem. Rather than let constant outraged media and depressing news cycles overwhelm them, this year’s Spotlighted Students both explained that they use these swirling influences as artistic inspiration. “Whether it be the changing of the seasons or recent events in the news,” they explain in their exhibit statement, “it all has the potential to become something of beauty and creativity.” The Driftless Historium’s "Student Spotlight” initiative celebrates the talent of area youth. This program, developed in partnership with Mount Horeb High School art educators Anna King and Dana Showers, provides an opportunity for young artists to gain experience producing and promoting a public art installation in a professional setting. Kolb and Egnew were selected by committee from a pool of student applicants. Drop by the Driftless Historium to meet Ava and Addison at the 2022 Student Spotlight Artist Reception on Sunday, June 19 between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served, and select works and prints available for sale. 20% of proceeds will be donated to American Lung Association in honor of Addison’s grandmother and all those who nurture the quest for inspiration. For more information, call the Driftless Historium at 608-437-6486 or email mthorebahs@gmail.com. |
Egnew, 2022.
Kolb, 2022.
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MEET THE ARTISTS
Addison Egnew, MHHS 2021-22 Junior.
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MHHS Junior Addison Egnew credits her grandmother, whom she recently lost to lung cancer, for cultivating her enthusiasm for art: “When I was younger, I would make art with my grandma; whether it was ironing beads, a collage of different fabrics, learning new painting techniques, or painting stepping stones, it felt like home. Every time I start painting, all I get are flashbacks to doodling in [my grandmother’s] craft room with music from the Lion King playing.” Addison hopes to someday open her own studio where she can pass along her enthusiasm for art and its healing properties. Artist Statement: "I believe that in order to see beauty in our world as it is today, we need to have gratitude. Through my art I express the gratitude I have for nature and its beautiful imperfections. Especially in times like these, I use my art as a medium to explore my experiences and feelings; it's become a source of joy and comfort. Despite the pandemic really taking a toll on everything and everyone, it has also provided the opportunity and time to work on my art skills. I grasped how to paint better and how to work with a few mediums. My favorite is watercolor because I can watch the lines dry and take on an organic shape and consistency. It's very therapeutic, with less waiting than acrylics --which is nice for someone such as myself who isn't always very patient." |
Egnew, 2022.
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Egnew, 2022.
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Egnew, 2022.
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Sophomore Ava Kolb’s primary focus is realism via scenes documenting contemporary life. “Creating is my form of happiness,” she wrote in her original Student Spotlight application. Ava plans to carry forward her creative education by studying art at the college level, with graphic design one potential area of focus.
Artist Statement: "My generation has grown up with media and the internet accessible by the touch of a finger. Technology has given me many opportunities to discover things I admire. In current times, it's important that people find ways to express themselves. My way of doing so is through the art I create. The things that inspire me the most are music, pop culture and movies. Music was one of my more prominent inspirations during the pandemic. I've created a handful of pieces relating to my favorite musicians, bands and albums. "My primary focus throughout my art is realism, the depiction of contemporary life. When it comes to learning. I'm definitely a visual one, so it makes sense to me to draw and paint familiar items and faces. The fact that no one looks exactly the same amazes me and has inspired me to sketch all types of faces and features during my own time. |
 Ava Kolb, MHHS 2021-22 Sophomore.
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Art plays an important role in my life. It surrounds us all no matter where we are and gives us insight into the artist. Art allows us to see new perspectives on things like emotions, our world and current issues and events. My work is a constant way to express myself. Art gives me the freedom I need to let my mind go wild. It has a calming nature and offers a chance to lose yourself in the process. I'm so glad I've fallen in love with it."
Kolb, 2022.
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Kolb, 2022.
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Kolb, 2022.
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