High school artists celebrate patriotism

Phyllis Hahn
Posted 5/27/20

The challenge of doing extra curricula work during the school year under the present style

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High school artists celebrate patriotism

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LUSK – The challenge of doing extra curricula work during the school year under the present style of education did not keep local, young artists from creating some fine examples of their artistic view of patriotism. 

The 11 entries were varied and was one of the most challenging for the panel of judges to pick the best, because all were very good. First place was awarded to Lillian Krueger, Second Place to Abby Kottwitz and third place went to Adelle DesEnfants.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary No. 3511 sponsors a Patriotic Art competition every year, with the support and guidance from Roxanne Fish, Niobrara School art instructor. The entries this year were exceptional with explanatory essays accompanying them. 

All rules must be followed, or the entry is disqualified. Type of art media and size must be followed, with no framing and all art must be matted on white, with the exception of sculpture. One example of thrown pottery was entered and impressed the judges with the skill of the potter. If the American flag is depicted it must follow the flag code, which is strict. The art teacher has to sign each entry form to verify all answers. 

The entry accompanying the first-place winner, Lillian Krueger read: “More Than You Know” – It doesn’t matter what color you are, if your ethnicity is different, or if you have a tail. I drew this picture to portray a part that people don’t usually see. When you lose someone, it is a devastating blow to families and friends, but what about the canine that would have done anything for that person, who would have given up anything that he had to make their person more comfortable. I drew this picture to pinpoint the sadness that canines can feel from the loss of their companion. You don’t have to be a person to be patriotic. I think to be patriotic you just have to show true devotion to a helpful purpose. “The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog.” 

M.K. Clinton  

Respect for the American flag was evident as it was incorporated into several pictures, but it is not required to be included. One essay impressed the judges with the awareness of political injustices in China under President Xi Jing Ping and was well executed as art. It was left out of the finalists as the first visual impression was difficult to connect with Patriotism. 

The essay was written by Bryce Goodwin. It read: My Patriotic Art is on the censorship of China under the rule of their President Xi Jing Ping. I happened to choose Winnie the Pooh as my representation of Xi because a children’s cartoon character is banned in China. The citizens of China compared Xi to Winnie resulting in people being arrested for simple pictures of Winnie.  Unlike Xi, Winnie has good lessons to teach and a calm attitude. I thought my idea of this was patriotic for the reason of Freedom of Speech in the United States because of our unique First Amendment and its policies.

Judging by the quality expressed in the essays by the youth that participated in the art competition, our future is in good hands and we can be very proud of all of them.