Anchoring the corner of 26th Street and Jefferson Avenue in Ogden, the Eccles Community Arts Center has served as a hub of collaboration for generations of artist. Walking through the mansion's historic halls and permanent collections, one will see photographs, paintings and prints created by Northern Utah’s best known visual artists over the last century.
For the month of January, however, the gallery looks forward, hosting the annual Northern Utah High School Arts Competition, an art exhibition highlighting the finest work by high school seniors in Box Elder, Cache, Davis, Rich and Weber counties. Students from public, private and charter schools are invited to submit their artwork and a juried panel of judges awards scholarships to the contest winners.
In the 2023 showcase, 43 students from Davis School District had works on display. Representing all nine high schools and a variety of mediums, including ceramics, digital painting, graphite, acrylic and oil painting, the contributions from DSD students highlighted a breadth of talent and skill.
Amanda Brown of Bountiful High School was awarded “Best of Show” and a $7,500 scholarship to go towards her college education for her piece, “Reflection.”
“I love drawing portraits and catching the expression on a person’s face,” says Brown. Following graduation this spring, Brown plans to earn a degree in fine arts with a minor in animation or psychology.
Brown was not the only DSD student recognized by judges. Six other students were awarded the following accolades:
- Averie Neil of Clearfield High won an Award of Merit and a $2,000 scholarship for the piece “Navie”
- Nelia Mislang-Darden of Northridge High won an Award of Merit and a $2,000 scholarship for the piece “My Nkisi Power Figure”
- Anna Stephenson of Woods Cross High won an Award of Merit and a $2,000 scholarship for the piece “Faceless Daisy”
- Tommy Potter of Northridge High won an Art Center Award and a $1,000 scholarship for the piece “Dragon Celadon”
- Ellie Fowers of Northridge High won a Juror’s Award and a $1,500 scholarship for the piece “Inevitable End”
- Hannah Taylor of Farmington High won a Juror’s Award and a $1,500 scholarship for the piece “My Still Life”
A reception to honor the student artists was held in early January as part of Ogden City’s monthly Art Stroll. A virtual tour of the Northern Utah High School Arts Competition can be viewed at https://bit.ly/3WCo3W3.