The Elko New Market Chamber Focuses on the Arts

Written by Dawn Weitzel

The Elko New Market Chamber of Commerce has been working hard to create relationships with area businesses and the community.

Our latest venture, the 2016 Elko New Market Student Art Crawl, demonstrated just how much the community values the arts culture. On May 7, an estimated 400 residents from Elko New Market, New Prague, Lakeville, and other surrounding cities, descended on local businesses in search of their children’s artwork. Six businesses in the downtown area proudly displayed paintings, drawings, ceramics, photography, sculpture, and mixed media work. The well-rounded exhibit of artwork and outdoor entertainment kept families busy for hours.

Students from New Prague and Lakeville public schools, St. Wenceslaus Catholic School, and Holy Cross Catholic School were invited to participate in this first annual art show. Overall, 131 pieces of artwork were submitted by art teachers and evaluated by five judges. Chamber board members awarded medals to the top three high school,

middle school, and elementary student winners.

Many people were at present at the 4:00 awards ceremony to find out who won the $500 scholarship. By following set criteria for evaluating artwork, judges chose Years, a drawing by Carly Madigan, as 2016’s top high school winner.

Carly, a junior at New Prague High School, stated that her drawing was part of a 24-piece portfolio that she was compiling for an AP art class. The completed portfolio will then be sent to Washington State for final scoring. Before taking the AP course, Carly had enrolled in drawing, painting, and photography courses.

This is the second year that Carly has entered work in art shows. She also has a painting in The Freedom 58 Project’s national traveling exhibit. This non-profit organization provides awareness of human trafficking, raises funds, and rescues those in need.

Carly may be a prolific artist, but she also enjoys spending time in the show choir, playing hockey and tennis, working in a restaurant, and is a member of the National Honor Society. She’s able to participate in all these activities while maintaining a 3.98 GPA – this girl is unstoppable!

When asked what her plans are for college studies, Carly simply said, “I’m not sure yet.”

With talents this vast Carly, a lot of doors will open for you. The Elko New Market Chamber of Commerce is proud to have you as its first scholarship recipient.

Look for Carly’s winning design on our 2017 Art Crawl t-shirts and posters.

Elementary School Winners

• 1st Place – Derek Brezina • 2nd Place – Wyan Giesen • 3rd Place – Annie Johnson

Middle School Winners

• 1st Place – Christian Steiner • 2nd Place – Owen Giles • 3rd Place – Mathew Zweber

High School Winners

• 1st Place – Carly Madigan • 2nd Place – Hannah Wehling • 3rd Place – Morghan Gillispie

For those who didn’t win an award, stay creative! Please don't be discouraged. Many students demonstrated very high and advanced levels of quality and execution. With hard work and commitment, you just may be a winner next year!

Thank you art teachers!

Jami Kruschke, Holy Cross Catholic School

Leah Zvanovec, St. Wenceslaus Catholic School

Kellie DeNeui, Falcon Ridge Elementary Stephanie Kline, Eagle View Elementary

Steve Steege, McGuire Middle School

Teresa Hoverson, New Prague Middle School

Kelly Hansen, Lakeville South High School

Crystal Bronce, New Prague High School

Thank you sponsors!

Bodywerks Auto Body Repair

Copy Right

Crossroads Church

Dr. Doug Vayda Ortho Specialist

Firehouse Grille

Gold Star Amusements

Holy Cross School

New Market Bank

The Doublewide The Trachte Family

Triage Wellness Institute/Happi Haven Vacations with Noel

Thanks to the business that displayed artwork!

Crowned Cottage

Firehouse Grille

Fish Rock Gas

Old Hotel Market

The Doublewide

Triage Wellness Institute/Happi Haven

Art Crawl Pictures