Paramount HS Art Exhibition

As part of AAUW’s mission to advance gender equity and celebrate the arts, the Saint Cloud Area (MN) Branch participates in and recognizes two 2D and two 3D artists among the Paramount Center for the Arts’ annual Juried High School Art Exhibition.

Galleries for the 2024 exhibition will be open to the public April 2–26. A virtual gallery will be available online after April 2.

The show and competition complements the work of area art teachers and allows students to participate in an arts-based experience among peers. The show generally features the work of about 100 area students.

The exhibition’s reception and Awards Ceremony will be April 26.
Reception: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Awards Ceremony: 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.

 

2023 AAUW Selections

In 2023, a team of AAUW judges recognized these  artists for their outstanding work in 2D and 3D forms as part of the 2023 Juried High School Art Exhibition.

2D Artist

Beauty and the Bleached

Alilx Neuenfeldt

Grade 12, Elk River High School

Medium: Charcoal (pencil and powder), Bleach


3D Artist

Breaking the Record

Catrielle Barnett

Grade 12 Perpich Center for the Arts Education

Medium: Fiber, Pleather, Stir Sticks, Vinyl


Judges Comments

“I was so excited to see so many wonderful pieces of art displayed at the Historic Paramount! In
addition to composition, creativity, and problem solving through art, it was the artist statements that
helped us in our selection.” – Kathryn Gainey

“You might be surprised by the selection of a dress by an AAUW judge, but it is not the dress itself, but
what it represents.'” – Mary Lou Lenz

“The dress is inspired by ‘armor and the power to strive towards one’s goals.’ Ms Barnett is so creative!”
– Bobbie McMonagle

“Beauty and the Bleached is a strong, compelling portrait which incorporates dramatic tonal contrasts
and background text to illustrate the artist’s theme of imposed standards of beauty.” – Lynn Metcalf


Our Committee

  • Kathryn Gainey, arts educator
  • Bobbie McMonagle, abstract artist
  • Lynn Metcalf, arts historian
  • Mary Lou Lenz, arts advocate

We are grateful to the St. Cloud area high school art educators for their guidance and expertise and to the Paramount Center for the Arts for continuing to be a strong supporter for the arts through education and community support.