Baeten takes art ‘forward’ to DC as Congressional Art award recipient
Over the course of the 2022-2023 school year, the artists of West have flourished, time after time (or paint stroke after paint stroke), demonstrating award-winning talent and ability. From a local level all the way up to state, Wildcat artists have been consistently recognized for excellence. Senior Samantha Baeten put the bow on a package of success through a national art competition.
“The Congressional Art Competition is for high schoolers and is meant to inspire them to make something for their district,” she said. “Each year, there's a different theme used to attract students to participate.”
This competition celebrates the artistic talent of high school students all across the country. While a national competition would seem to call for a complex application process, Baeten found the task simple.
“Applying for art shows isn't too treacherous of a task,” she said. “You describe your work and frame it nicely. I'd say the most difficult part is having your art teacher sign off on it, which isn’t even that hard.”
Baeten has participated in the arts for the majority of her life and hopes to pursue a career in graphic design after graduation. Her family has been a large support in her life and her aspirations.
“I found out about the competition from my mom; she's always been very active in the art community, considering she also has a degree in graphic design,” she said. “I'm really grateful that the home I've grown up in is very nurturing towards my future career plans. Both my mom and dad have worked in the art field, and they've been very helpful with guiding me.”
Aside from her familial connections, Baeten is driven by other guiding influences in her artistic endeavors.
“When I find out about an art competition, I love to participate regardless,” she said. “I love putting my art on display for people to experience. One of the reasons I love art so much is because it's so versatile and can change depending on one's mood or current situation.”
For this particular piece, Baeten chose to steer her ideas towards the foundation of Wisconsin and what the state values most.
“This year the competition didn’t have a set theme, however, the meaning behind my piece aligned so well with the state motto, ‘Forward,’ that it felt like a good fit,” she said. “‘Forward’ is about moving ahead, whatever the circumstances may be. There will always be challenges and obstacles that cause doubt in our own abilities, but the more you confront and overcome that mindset, the more empowered you’ll feel.”
To fully embody the spirit of Wisconsin, Baeten utilized the symbolism of color imagery to create a truly unique meaning.
“In my piece I drew a pilot looking off, past the audience,” she said. “In the goggles is a reflection of colorful lights that are meant to represent the multitude of opportunities in a person’s life.”
After receiving first place, Baeten’s piece will now be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year and will be representing Wisconsin and Oshkosh West. She has also been provided with a round-trip to attend the induction ceremony in Washington, DC in June.
Having participated in multiple shows and competitions during her time at West, Baeten still remains grateful for the opportunities she has been given.
“I’m very honored to have won,” she said. “I’m very grateful that I received this award as it makes me feel more confident for my future with art as I hope to pursue it.”
By Len Kloss
May 22 2023
Oshkosh West index Volume 119 Issue VIII