Art teacher Krystal Fonnesbeck has been impressed by the progress of her students across her art classes.  December’s Winter Art Show featured the final projects of many of Fonnesbeck’s students.  Over the course of the year, she has seen the personalities of her students emerge in their art.  “I look at the names on their work, and it totally matches their personalities.”

Students designed and illustrated their own books, which were printed and produced as physical objects.  Final projects were displayed in the commons of the high school building, and offered for sale to the public.  The idea was to familiarize students with the process of creating something with the intention of selling it.  A wide range of styles and media was on display, from conventional pen and ink sketches, to pop art style prints, to various works of painting and charcoal.  Creations also ranged from the more photo realistic to the stylized and whimsical.

Student Alex Christensen was on hand for the evening, and talked a bit about his series of still life drawings.  Most of them were great examples of capturing interesting light and framing of the subjects, while one featured an anatomical heart.  “I think a real heart has a lot more raw beauty,” he explained.  “I always hear people say that love is blind.  But really I like to think that love sees all of your faults and is willing to see beyond them.”  

While not for sale, printed books featuring a self-contained story without words were on display.  The project had the students design and execute a short visual story, which was sent out to be bound by Fonnesbeck.  The stories were generally humorous and energetic in their approach and illustrations, from stories about squirrels to bigfoot.  The books brought smiles to the faces of people who picked them up, and several, including Principal Corbett, were hoping that they could pick up copies for themselves.  

The night was a chance for members of the school and the community to see firsthand the kind of creative talent that exists within the community’s young people.  While the final productions reflect a large number of styles and influences, they all demonstrated a lot of talent and love for art as a form of expression.

Liddia Gonzalez was in attendance for the Art Show, and discussed the class.  “I think it’s really fun to learn new techniques.”  Gonzalez’s work for the show featured watercolor and pen and ink.  

In addition to the Art Show, Gonzalez was also recognized as one of the four Malad students who won their age groups in the state wide Christmas card design contest.

The art students participated in the State Department of Education’s (SDE) annual Holiday Card Contest. According to the SDE, “The annual holiday card contest is an opportunity for Idaho students to showcase their creativity and for the state to recognize the importance of arts in education. The contest is open to all Idaho public school students in grades K-12. An overall winner will be chosen for each of two divisions, one for grades K-6 and one for grades 7-12. Each winner’s artwork will be published on the Idaho Department of Education’s website and used as their greeting card.” There were over 900 entries this year, and four students from Malad High School were winners out of all the schools in Idaho, which is an amazing feat!   The 12th grade winner was Addler Garrett, the 11th grade winner was Alexa Cram; the 10th grade winner was Adi Schow; and Gonzalez won in the 9th grade.  Congratulations to Krystal Fonnesbeck and her students on their amazing work so far this year.  We look forward to seeing how these young artists develop their talents in the coming months and years.