Mark Arts is proud to be the Affiliate Partner for the Eastern Kansas Region for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. The Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to identify students with exceptional artistic talent and present their remarkable work to the world through the Scholastic Art Awards. The Eastern Kansas Scholastic Art Awards Exhibition showcases select artwork created by middle school and high school students from 70 Kansas counties.

The Awards give students opportunities for recognition, exhibition, publication, and scholarships. Participants, supported by their visual arts teachers and other community mentors, create and submit their best works of art. Each work is reviewed by a panel of art professionals for originality, technical skill and the emergence of personal vision.

Sponsored by Elizabeth B. Koch & Stone Family Foundation

On March 29, students participated in a College Open House and learned about fine arts programs at the College Open House, with representatives from Bethany College, Butler Community College, Fort Hays State University, Friends University, Kansas City Arts Institute, Kansas City Kansas Community College, Newman University, Sterling College, University of Kansas, Washburn University, and Wichita State University. Collectively, these college art departments offered more than $1.52 million in scholarships based on the work submitted to the Scholastic Art Awards. After the College Open House, students and family members enjoyed a Closing Ceremony, featuring an awards presentation and keynote talk by local artist and jeweler Debra Navarro.