Downers Grove South Student Wins Best in Show at National Art Competition

South High junior Michael Baer won “Best in Show” at a national art competition sponsored by the Cleveland Institute of Art

Michael Baer, a junior at South High School in Downers Grov, has won the highest honor at a national competition sponsored by the Cleveland Institute of Art. 

His digital photograph, “Psychosis,” won “Best in Show.” His artwork also claimed “Best in Category/Integrated Media.”  His piece was selected by a panel of CIA faculty; over 1,000 students from over 450 high schools in 42 states submitted artwork for the competition.

“I’m still in shock,” said Baer, of Woodridge, after receiving the news of his victory. 

He is in his second year of studying photography at South High and recently has begun experimenting with mixed media artwork that incorporates photography.

Baer thanked his art teacher, Michelle Ross, for encouraging him to participate in the contest and helping him choose which pieces to submit.

“I have had the honor of teaching Michael digital photography since he was a freshman and I knew we had a great talent from the beginning,” said Ross. “He is a master of image capture and editing and he is unusual because of his tremendous ability for making these conceptual images. I cannot think of someone more deserving of winning these artistic honors.”

As Best in Show” winner, he will receive art supplies, cash prizes and a scholarship if he chooses to attend CIA.

Images of all of the winning artwork may be viewed at cia.edu/2d3dwinners.

Source: Community High School District 99 press release