MEEKER I MHS Art Instructor Ben Quinn and some of his students shared a presentation about their completed projects, including the public murals at the Town Park restroom and in the alley on Sixth and Main.
Elijah LeBlanc, who received a pottery wheel for his birthday, is making and selling dinner sets, and Macy Ridgeway is selling customized ceramic pet dishes online.
Shane Kobald has created murals on display at Smoking River Brewing Co.
Gabe Richardson said the art program has expanded his understanding of what he’s able to do in art, even getting paid commission for a project created for a family friend.
Students have an online portfolio of their work they can share with parents or use with school applications.
Macy Ridgeway is the first Scholastic Art award winner from Meeker High School in sculpture. Reese Clatterbaugh, a freshman, earned an award for “Two Cups,” and Brea Garcia, great-granddaughter of WWII veteran Ernie Garcia who passed away last year, drew a portrait that earned a SIlver Key in “one of the more difficult categories to compete in,” Quinn said.
Senior Sarah Kracht received a Gold Key in printmaking for her 18X24-inch linoleum block print “Dying Breed”
Freshmen Reese Clatterbaugh received an Honorable Mention in ceramics for “Two Small Bowls”
Junior Brea Garcia received a Silver Key in drawing for “Grandpa Ernie” (
Senior Macy Ridgeway received a Silver Key in sculpture for “I Can’t Breathe”
Sarah Kracht won a Gold Key in printmaking for “Dying Breed,” which will go on to competition in New York City.
Art students have created 200 handmade bowls they’ll be selling Thursday before the basketball games with soup, salad and a breadstick. Proceeds will go to local non-profit organizations.
Board members shared their appreciation of the students and the art program.
“We are so blessed to have the art program we have,” said board member Kevin Amack. “I’m overwhelmed.”
“I’m thoroughly impressed,” said board member Tony Theos. “Keep up the good work.”
School nurse Jolyn Dolan was recognized for her work by the board and school staff. Dolan covers all three campuses.
“She really makes our lives easier and is a great resource for families,” said Meeker Elementary School Principal Andi Murphy.
Murphy also thanked each board member and presented a “thank you” from each grade in recognition of National School Board Month. “We appreciate your leadership,” Murphy said.
Barone Middle School Principal Jim Hanks said they are planning an April field trip for the entire seventh grade to Denver via Amtrak where they will spend half a day at the Capitol, visit the Museum of Nature and Science, and take in a Rockies game as well as a formal dinner and some kind of performance.
“We thought it would be a really good experience,” he said. “We’re looking forward to that. We were given the money to do that from the Meeker Education Foundation and the Fairfield [Trust].”
The board also discussed budget items, utility expenses, COVID protocols, and more in a lengthy meeting Monday.
By NIKI TURNER – editor@editorht1885.com
