Evanston Teen Wins Best in Show In National Art Exhibition

EVANSTON, IL — An Evanston 19-year-old has been named a “Best in Show” winner in One River School’s teen art exhibition, the world’s largest teen art exhibition.

Elora K. was one of eight students selected from 1,800 works submitted by teens enrolled at One River School locations across the country.

The exhibition was created in partnership with contemporary artist Daniel Heidkamp. Students were invited to make an original piece that mirrored Heidkamp’s style using a mix of traditional and digital mediums.

Each artist was asked to depict a place that matters to them, creating work rooted in personal meaning. One River School said the students’ pieces drew inspiration from Heidkamp’s landscapes, which blend art history, travel, memory and imagination.

The exhibition also reflects how students work across disciplines, with mediums ranging from oil painting and chalk pastel to animation and digital design.

The original works were first displayed at the local One River School campuses where students are enrolled and are now available on the school’s exhibition website.

“This exhibition gave our teens the opportunity to explore a variety of artistic methods,” said Agnes Mauro, CEO of One River School. “There’s something incredibly special about the way teenagers see the world. They're honest, curious, and unafraid to express what matters to them. It’s an honor to champion their work, because how we listen to and support these young artists now will shape the future they go on to create.”

Heidkamp reviewed all of the submitted artwork and chose the eight “Best in Show” winners. Elora K. was recognized in Art Focus: Drawing. The other winners were Sibil K. of Hartsdale, New York; Jack D. of Montclair, New Jersey; Mira C. of Westport, Connecticut; Vivienne Yee Chan of Manhasset, New York; Evelyn W. of Montclair, New Jersey; Sam D. of Port Jefferson, New York; and Leonie S. of Englewood, New Jersey.

“I was drawn to artworks with a strong and clear voice,” said Heidkamp. “I like scenes that depicted sense of place and the natural world combined with an element of personal expression, artistic and colorful touches, and even a glimpse of the surreal, especially when the student was able to show moments from their everyday life and turn it into something artful and beautiful such as Elora’s neighborhood house adorned with flowers.”

The eight winners have been invited to Heidkamp’s private studio in Brooklyn, New York, on Friday for a visit and tour. Students will hear about Heidkamp’s artistic journey, create additional artwork, receive personalized feedback and get guidance on a career in the arts.