Red Cloud High School students honored at national art show in Phoenix, Arizona

Awards include two first-place ribbons

posted on April 12, 2011

Students in Red Cloud High School’s art, photography and multimedia classes have been honored with six awards from the Heard Museum Guild American Indian Student Art Show and Sale. The student artwork was exhibited at The Heard in Phoenix, Arizona, from April 2-5, 2011.

This was the first year students at Red Cloud entered the art show.

“The students who entered the art show definitely have an interest in art and the craftsmanship and dedication it takes to do really good work,” says Leah Maltbie, art and photography teacher in the high school. “I’m just so proud of all the students and I hope we can send more entries next year.”

Held every year, the Heard’s national student Indian art show showcases artwork made by Native American students in grades 7-12. Artists enter from across the United States. The show features a variety of traditional and fine art, including katsina dolls, pottery, baskets, jewelry, beadwork, weavings, paintings and sculpture, as well as contemporary pieces. More than 1700 entries were submitted to this year’s show.

Sophomore Charlie Cuny was honored with the Judges Choice Award and a Green Ribbon in the Beading Division for moccasins. Senior Sonyah Clifford received Blue and Red Ribbons in the Computer-Generated Art Division. Senior Terrance Clifford received a Blue Ribbon in the Photography Division. Senior Kayla Iron Cloud earned a Green Ribbon, also in the Photography Division.

“I really didn’t think I would even place,” says Terrance Clifford. “I just like photography and entered the show as part of my class, but it’s still pretty cool to win.”

Sonyah Clifford says her multimedia teacher, Matt Rama, encouraged her to enter the exhibition.

“I like Matt’s class because it’s interesting to learn about the different techniques you can do on the computer, and to be able to express myself through multimedia,” she says.

Rama says it’s the student’s creativity that makes the artwork standout.

“The students always do their best to create exciting visual pieces,” he says. “They all had some really great entries. Sonyah just happened to be the one in my class that the judges of this show like best. She has a unique sense of style, and use of color that is very pleasing to the eye.”

“It’s really exciting to know that about 50 percent of our entries won a prize, especially since it is a national art show and the interest in this show is so great,” adds Maltbie.