Okaloosa County School District

The Fairgrounds became a canvas showcasing the creativity of our students during the Okaloosa County K-12 Student Art Show. Jointly hosted by the Okaloosa County School District and the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, the event displayed an impressive collection of over 2,500 artworks from students across 15 elementary, middle, and high schools. "The level of talent displayed by our students is truly inspiring, and it’s a testament to the dedicated teachers who nurture and develop these skills," said Superintendent Marcus Chambers.

Congratulations to the 2024 Okaloosa County K-12 Art Show Winners:

Middle School 2D Best of Show – Juliette Schopmeyer, Rocky Bayou Christian School

Juliette Schopmeyer realized that she loved art when she was in the third grade after her mom showed her how to shade. Juliette said, “My mom has always been my biggest inspiration. She was an art teacher and I have always dreamed of being as talented as her.” Juliette loves doing artwork in colored pencil or graphite. She also loves to experiment with other media. Her favorite subject to draw is portraiture because it challenges her and helps improve her artistic abilities.

Middle School 3D Best of Show - Lexi Schrand, Destin Middle School

Lexi Schrand stated in her bio, “Art helps me express myself while at the same time challenges me to do better. My art skills have progressed over the years and encourage me to keep progressing. Art helps me to keep a creative and open mindset.

High School 2D Best of Show - Ly Tran, Fort Walton Beach High School

Growing up I have always loved doing artistic things, from the simple sketches I would draw in my free time to painting on canvases,” said Ly Tran. “I am excited to continue carrying this passion beyond elementary school. For me, it’s more than I could've ever imagined. Even if I may not become a full-time artist in the far future, I'll be glad to keep it as a hobby I know I'll enjoy. Thank you so much for this opportunity tonight, and special thanks to Mrs. Moran for all the help she has given me in becoming a better artist every day."

High School 3D Best of Show - Hannah Dang, Crestview High School

“Art has not just one definition, but multiple meanings that differ among each person,” said Hannah Dang. “Art to me is a creative outlet to show others my capabilities and personality. From the clothes that I wear to my school assignments, art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have always been a hands-on learner, fully immersing myself in my craft and never afraid to try something new. My decision to join my high school’s ceramics class has led to the most formative two years of my life thus far. This class allowed me to take my imagination and turn it into reality while still pushing me out of my comfort zone. It was also thanks to this class that I was able to explore future job options that would permit time for my passion. Art has taught me valuable lessons about adaptability and acceptance. Not always was I able to create a piece I was proud of, but I can confidently say that I learned a different lesson each time. I am so thankful for the support of my mentors and peers who have helped me along the way and will continue to keep their kind words in my thoughts.”

2D Superlative - Chloe Aldrich, Niceville High School

The piece, Temple of the Gods, was inspired by the time Chloe Aldrich lived in Japan. “The medium is pen and ink and the piece depicts tranquility,” she stated. “Many of the details are hidden and reflect Japanese symbols I remember from my time there.”

3D Superlative - Addison Barnard, Crestview High School

Addison Barnard shared, “When I first started taking pottery it was my freshman year and I took it so I could get my art credit out of the way, and it seemed the most interesting of the options. Once I learned that next year’s pottery would be on the wheel, I just knew that I had to take a pottery class the next year.” Her first year of pottery was all hand-building, after that, she was on the wheel as much as possible. Addison has been in pottery/ceramics for four years now and absolutely loves it. After a while pottery became a skill she honed. “It is something that I care about deeply and would like to pursue in the future,” said Addison. “I absolutely love pottery and can’t imagine what my life would be like right now if I hadn’t taken all these pottery classes. I would like to continue this passion by studying it in college. My goal in life is to become a pottery teacher. I have a deep passion for this form of art, and I would like to share it with other people.