Kudos to PRP Senior Mia Langford, who is a finalist in the 2023 TARC/Louisville Free Public Library Design-a Bus Contest! This year local students were invited each year to submit artwork focused on the theme, “Every Journey, a Story.” Student artists were encouraged to think about a personal journey from their lives that resulted in learning something new, or expanding the breadth of their knowledge about the world, then create an illustration reflecting that as a story. Mia has been a winner in this competition for several years and decided to use her artistic journey as her inspiration for this year’s contest theme. Over 112 entries were submitted to the contest this year, and Mia’s was selected as one of twelve finalists. The top winner will be invited to ride in the KY Derby Festival Pegasus Parade on the bus featuring their artwork. Way to go, Mia!

Students enjoyed their first museum field trip since the 2020 school year to view the Scholastic Silver Key and Honorable Mention Exhibit on View at Hite Gallery/UofL and the Speed Art Museum. For most, it was their first trip to an art gallery or museum–it felt great to be able to share this experience with them. Several students had artwork hanging in the show at UofL, and they were so excited to see their work on display! They were all impressed with the amazing quality of work hanging in the Scholastic exhibit. Seeing work by their peers helped them make connections with their own learning, and many returned with new inspiration for creating new work. Last of all, thanks to the Speed Art Museum for making the trip there possible with free admission for students.

Congratulations to juniors Ryan Dallum, Samantha Vega and Jamaal McClain, who were recently selected as first-round finalists (Visual Art) for the 2023 KY Governor’s School for the Arts. Students will move on to the next round, which includes a written essay and an interview with judges. Way to go Panthers, and best of luck to all!

A PRP Visual Art student recently had artwork included in an exhibit at Norton Children’s Hospital that was featured on WDRB news. She was surprised to learn that her artwork was on display (and was very excited!) As her teacher, I was excited for her, because she was using her artistic voice to learn to cope and recover from an eating disorder. Art is so important in helping students suffering from anxiety, trauma, grief, and other life issues. The artist’s statements are very revealing in understanding what each piece means. The exhibit is on view through February 2023.

https://www.wdrb.com/news/art-therapy-helping-young-louisville-hospital-patients-diagnosed-with-an-eating-disorder-find-their-voice/article_7a8b5eda-ae32-11ed-a2be-9f506bb019ea.html

Students were welcomed back to school after the holiday break with new sketchbooks–which means fun painting/collaging their new sketchbook covers! Basic Design students used gesso to prepare the surface and then added texture, pattern, and color using their choice of materials.

PRP Art students were honored in December at the PTSA Reflections District 15 Competition. This year’s theme was “Show Your Voice,” and students rose to the challenge!

Congratulations to the following students who were recognized for their artwork:

Elijah Godfrey, Endless Road—Award of Excellence
Ahmilleon Willis, Show Your Voice—Best Creative Expression
Lana Elder, The Inevitability of Change-Award of Merit
Jolie Armand, Poetic Voices-Award of Excellence 
Jamaal McClain, Caged Bird Sings-Best Creative Expression

Ahmilleon and Jamaal’s work will go on to compete at the state level. Way to go, Panthers!

Thanks to a generous TAG grant from the Fund for the Arts, students took a field trip to the Little Loom House to participate in a weaving workshop in early December. We learned about the Little Loom House’s rich history in Louisville’s Kenwood Hill neighborhood, and the students were excited to try their hand at weaving as they made their own small runners in the Top House Loom Room. A huge shout out to Michelle Amos and Gwen Kelley for sharing their vast knowledge with us! Thank you to the Fund for the Arts for making this field trip and workshop possible.