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.
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.
2023 AAUW Selections
On April 28, 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.