Whiz Kid: Mehlville High School Student Receives Recognition for Artwork

Each week, Mehlville Patch will be highlighting a young person in the community who is making a positive difference in the lives of others. These kids are doing outstanding academic work, winning an award or exhibiting exemplary qualities. Know a great kid? Nominate them by e-mailing sarah.flagg@patch.com.

Name: Juan Edwards

Age: 18

School: Mehlville High School

Achievement: Edwards’ charcoal self-portrait, “The Thought,” received the prestigious Juror’s Award at the Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville 2011 Annual High School Art Exhibition.

Key to Awesomeness:  The entries came from all high schools within a 50-mile radius of SIU-Edwardsville and only 43 made the cut for the exhibition. Juan Edward’s “The Thought” was one of the pieces of artwork still hanging at the end of the judging process. It did not end there. “The Thought” went on to receive the Juror’s Award at the show.

“My art teacher, Julie Webber, told us about the show and encouraged us to pick something to enter. I could only enter one piece. I chose 'The Thought,'" he said.

“I was going to send a painting that I had been working on, but I thought my drawing skills were better than my painting skills.”

The future looks bright for this budding artist who got his start in art as a child by working on projects with his father. “Lots of times it was a competition between us as to who could do it best,” Edwards said.

“I haven’t decided on a college yet. I have applied for a three-week, pre-college art lab at Kansas City Art Institute this summer. I’m also considering Southeast Missouri State University and Meramec, here in town,” Edwards said.

Edwards has two sisters, his twin and an older sister who are among his biggest fans. They are always cheering for him when he throws the shot put on the Mehlville High School track team, and when he competes in art shows.