Two Highland High Students Showcase Award-Winning Work at Shemer Art Center
Tristan Chavez
Hunter Krosschell and Maggie Steimle of Highland High both earned awards for their artwork at the New Horizon’s Best of High School Art in the Valley exhibit, held from January 9 to February 13, 2025. Their exceptional pieces garnered multiple awards including cash prizes and the honor of being showcased at the historic Shemer Art Center in Phoenix.
“It’s an honor to help my students get their work in such a beautiful and professional exhibit,” said Tanya Kohlenberg, an art teacher at Highland High. “Hunter and Maggie have grown so much as artists and they’ve worked extremely hard to be where they’re at today. It takes a lot of time and effort, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
Hunter Krosschell’s piece, “Underneath All My Beliefs,” explores emotion and movement through a fascinating interplay of textures. Inspired by 90s rock music from the United Kingdom, particularly the British band Oasis, Hunter’s black and white creation earned him both the Tiki Award and the Excellence in Art Award, along with a total of $250 in prize money.
“When I went to the exhibit and saw my piece, all I could think about was how cool it was to see my art with all the other incredible work that was featured,” Hunter shared. “Mrs. Kohlenberg has really pushed me and challenged me artistically. Doing an expressive piece in black and white is not something I ever thought I would be able to do.”
Maggie Steimle’s work, “Displacement,” explores the complex relationship between comfort and discomfort. Drawing from her personal experiences living in Boston, Maggie’s work reflects her journey of finding comfort in places where she initially felt disconnected. Her work earned the Marigold Linton Award and the Robert Barnhill Award which came with a total of $50.
“It didn’t feel real to see my art at the exhibit,” added Maggie. “Seeing my own work displayed among so many extraordinary pieces was an honor. I also have to give credit to Mrs. Kohlenberg. She’s helped me grow by getting me out of my comfort zone and pushing me to do things I never thought I could.”
In both elementary and secondary education, Gilbert Public Schools is dedicated to offering students meaningful and diverse learning opportunities through a high-quality visual arts curriculum. To learn more about Art Education at GPS, visit GilbertSchools.net/Student-Life/Art-Education.