PERU – Peru State College is exhibiting the East Central Nebraska Conference artwork at the AV Larson Building through March 26.

Conference teachers judged work from high schools including Palmyra, Falls City, Weeping Water, Auburn, Johnson County Central and Elmwood-Murdock. The highest ranked are selected for the best of show exhibit.

This year’s best of show was awarded to Mia Gerdes, a junior from Auburn High School, for her piece titled “Twisted Tales – Macrame Dreams.” Elsie Thompson, a senior from Falls City, received runner up for her pencil drawing.

The college will host the ECNC Art Conference from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. on March 26.

 Here is the college's press release

(Peru, NE) – Peru State College is proud to showcase the exceptional artwork of students from the East Central Nebraska Conference (ECNC). This inspiring collection is currently on display in the College’s Art Gallery, located in the AV Larson Building on campus, and will be available for viewing through March 26.

Participating in ECNC schools include Palmyra, Falls City, Freeman, Mead, Weeping Water, Auburn, Johnson County Central, and Elmwood-Murdock. Earlier this year, art teachers from these schools gathered at Freeman High School to judge the submissions. Each school could submit up to ten pieces for consideration, with top works earning ribbons and honorable mentions. The highest-ranked pieces from each school were then evaluated for the prestigious Best of Show and Best of Show Runner-Up awards.

 

 

This year’s Best of Show was awarded to Mia Gerdes, a junior from Auburn High School, for her piece titled Twisted Tales – Macrame Dreams. Elsie Thompson, a senior from Falls City High School, received the Runner-Up award for her pencil drawing.

ECNC Annual Art Conference – March 26

On March 26, Peru State College will host the ECNC Annual Art Conference from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., bringing together students and educators for a day of creativity, learning, and collaboration.

Workshops and hands-on activities will include:


  • Art History Bingo
    Metal Embossing
    Watercolor with Music
    Tissue Paper Painting
    Junk Journal Scrapbooking
    Clay Sculpting: “Take and Bake”
    Charcoal Still Life Drawing

Peru State College art majors will lead the workshops, providing guidance and inspiration to the visiting students.

 

Mia Gerdes

 

A special feature of the conference is WRITE NOW, a fast-paced, interactive workshop led by Laura Gold, Associate Professor of Theatre at Peru State, along with The Disco Citizens. This engaging session will guide students through theme selection, creative writing exercises, and the early stages of production.

  • The dedicated art teachers from ECNC schools include:
    Sarah Swartzendruber – Palmyra
    Chris Bennett – Falls City
    Amy Ludwig – Freeman
    Courtney Buelt – Mead
    Kurt Bergdolt – Weeping Water
    Stevie Eickhoff – Auburn
    Brittney Teeman – Johnson County Central
    Linda Trundle – Elmwood-Murdock

The display was thoughtfully arranged by Amy Ludwig and students from Freeman High School.

Don’t miss this incredible showcase of young artistic talent. Visit the Peru State College Art Gallery and celebrate the creativity of these talented student artists.