The Thomas Jefferson ceramics program sweeps the competition in the Denver Public schools art show.
On April 8-21st, 2009, fifteen of Thomas Jefferson’s best art pieces created by its students were judged at the Denver Public schools art show. The competition was strong, but Thomas Jefferson managed to pull out with an overall first, second, and third place win in the ceramics category.
Hanna Kazlouskaya, a sophomore at Thomas Jefferson, received the first place award for her piece Hanna’s Donut. “It was awesome participating in the art show and dedicating all my time to the piece I submitted,” said Kazlouskaya, who also had two other pieces that were accepted into the show.
Catherine Salazar, the Ceramics and Design Sculpture teacher at Thomas Jefferson, was proud to share her enthusiasm for her students’ success. “TJ took first, second, and third place in the ceramics category with their hand built sculptural pieces. We were competing against all ten Denver Public schools, including Denver School of the Arts,” said Salazar.
Brooke Stoyer, TJ’s Drawing and Painting teacher, had students walk away with awards, as well. With a total of five entries accepted into the competition from TJ, Alden Weissfeld, a Junior, took the overall 2nd place award in the Drawing and Painting category. “Alden had one of the best paintings I’ve ever seen. I was expecting him to come out of the competition with some sort of prize,” said Stoyer.
“I had a great time doing the painting and I’m very happy with the results,” said Weissfeld about his painting of Obama. (Click here to see Weissfeld’s other award!)
“Teachers can submit fifteen entries, all of which we decide are the overall best among our students’ art. All the pieces I selected for the ceramics category were accepted and judged in the competition, along with several pieces selected by my co-worker, Ms. Stoyer,” said Salazar.
Some of the different categories in which students can submit artwork include ceramics, drawing and painting, jewelry, and print making. Last year, Morgan Dorn, one of TJ’s graduating seniors, took an overall first place in this art show. “He won the overall best in show for all of the categories with his piece. It was very exciting,” said Salazar.
The Thomas Jefferson Art Department enters the Denver Public Schools Art Show annually, and it is normally the last competition of the year. “This competition is in a way seen as the finalé of art shows to end the school year for us. We can’t wait until next year,” said Salazar.
