CCHS students honored at arts festival

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

Three Charles City art students went to Des Moines over the weekend to see their work on display at the Des Moines Arts Festival.

Ava Thompson, Addison Tracey and Ally Wedeking were among the 10 AP Art students at Charles City to submit their portfolios for All-State judging.

Only finding out about the contest 11 days before the application deadline, they quickly put together their portfolios of work for submission. In April, they found out that they had been selected to have their work featured at the event.

“These are creative, risk-taking, self-directed, thoughtful students every art teacher dreams of,” said art teacher Tia McInroy. “They give their best and keep me in awe with their artwork.”

On Sunday, June 30, the three students were honored on stage, joining All-State artists from across Iowa.

“I’m very honored and happy they thought my work was in the top 20% and that I could help represent my school art program,” said Wedeking.

Along with receiving plaques for their work, the students said they enjoyed meeting with their peers from across the state and viewing their artistic offerings.

“Artists from all over the country came to participate in the festival and I got to see all of their pieces,” said Wedeking.

“This was a great opportunity for my students to see what other high school artists are creating and for them to be recognized for their own talents,” said McInroy.