Jake Andersons artwork was the outcome of an 8th grade English assignment: make a sculpture that represents a verb. For "Wrinkle," Jake stiffened a white t-shirt with glue and mounted it on metal shaped like an iron. Valley View Middle School art teacher Mike Kelly submitted it to the 2010 Scholastic Art Awards.

Jake received a gold key at the Snohomish County Scholastic Art Awards in February, and has recently received a gold key for the National Scholastic Art Awards. Wrinkle is one of just 11 entries to be selected for national awards, and one of four whose work will be displayed in New York. Jake will also be invited to a ceremony to be held in Carnegie Hall later this year.

Jake enjoys making art at home. "I dont do anything in particular; I like to use what comes to mind at the time." All 503 entries from across the county were displayed at the Historic Monte Cristo in Everett. It was really neat to see all the other works," says Jake. "I was really surprised to get a gold key out of so many peoples art work."

Bianka Austin, a sophomore at Glacier Peak High School, received gold keys for two pieces in the county awards, "Anabelle Lee" and "Pathway." Bianka says, "I got serious about art when I was 9 and have been working as hard as I can." An older friend mentored her in the early years. She has been learning more about figure studies, the use of light and shadow, and still life this year in school and plans to take AP art junior and senior years.

Glacier Peak art teacher Cathy Tanasse says, "It is wonderful for students to have their work up in a real gallery, with a real opening. It makes them start to see themselves differently." Nancy Bell, Education Director of the Arts Council of Snohomish County, concurs. "We limit each art teacher to 10 entries. If a student is chosen, they are already a winner. Our philosophy is that every piece gets exhibited, and its a community event."

Earning the recognition for her art has had a big impact on Bianka, "It makes me feel confident about my skills and that others appreciate what I do. And it gives me an advantage when I submit my portfolio to college."

Jake and Bianka are only two of many to be recognized for their talent in the recent regional awards. Over 50 students from middle and high schools in Snohomish received awards ranging from gold keys to honorable mention in the competition.