The Enduring Power of The Arts   

May 30, 2023, a gala event at Benaroya Hall in Seattle celebrated 50 years of the Superintendent’s High School Art Show. Students and teachers from across the state were recognized for excellence in the visual arts, and a showcase of the performing arts dazzled the audience. If you missed it (or if you would like to see it again) you can view it here.

It takes many people to produce the Art Show each year. First and foremost, each of the state’s Educational Service Districts (ESDs) ensure that we have quality art from across the state. The Art Show Coordinators from each ESD go above and beyond to produce the regional art shows. Several statewide organizations provide awards to students, artists and arts organizations help to organize and review the art, and many OSPI staff from several departments lend their service and expertise to the Art Show. We appreciate everyone who participates!

Please take a moment to review the 2023 statewide award winners. They will leave you inspired.

Here’s to the next 50 years of the Art Show,

Janet Hayakawa, Associate Director 
The Arts - Dance, Media Arts, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Janet.Hayakawa@k12.wa.us
Cell/Text: 360-764-6157

Artwork— by Linh Duong, Superintendent’s High School Art Show, 2023.

2023 Statewide Awards     

“Quicksilver” by Jason Tran 

Kelso High School, Kelso School District, ESD 112 

Teacher – T.J. Frey 

ArtsEd Washington Award 

“Serenity” by Rachel Jang 

Bellevue High School, Bellevue School District, ESD 121 

Teacher – Hannah Yale 

OSPI Resources 

Universal Design for Learning & The Arts – background information, videos, tips and tools

Arts Collection on the Washington Open Educational Resources (OER) Hub—standards-aligned lesson plans and resources.

Youth Media Challenge—Through June 2023   

Engage student voice and choice while fostering civic engagement through this media challenge, open to middle and high school students. See what students from the Evergreen School in Shoreline have produced here. 

WA Youth Arts Leadership—Deadline July 16

Washington Youth Arts Leadership (WAYAL) Program is a yearly cohort of youth and young adults (ages 16-19) from across Washington State. Young artists in the program explore arts and arts administration careers with mentors in the field. Applications are open now.

Conference Aug 17 & 18 -- REGISTER NOW!

OSPI’s Migrant and Arts Education Programs are working together to offer the “Art of Belonging” Conference for educators, administrators, advocates and other staff at the Yakima Convention Center. The ultimate goal of this professional development is to reimagine how we serve migratory students and their families. Click here for more information and to register. All interested educators are encouraged to participate. Thanks to Title I, Part C, there is no charge for conference registration. Clock hours available.

Call for Student Designers

High school student designers and creatives are invited to apply to be considered for High Fashion High, a teenage fashion show at this Fall’s Bumbershoot (September 2 -3). Workshops and mentorships will help student designers improve their skills and learn more about the art and fashion industry.

Contact highfashionhighbubmershoot@gmail.com with questions, and click here to apply.

Call for Student Performing Artists

The U.S. Department of Education is issuing a “call” across the United States and its territories for student performing artists who are currently enrolled in elementary, secondary, or post-secondary schools or accredited trade schools, who exemplify resilience, diversity, and excellence and are interested in showcasing their talent, virtually or in-person, at internal and external Department-hosted events.  Student performances can be, but are not limited to, bands/marching bands, color guards, soloists, choirs, dancers, poets/spoken word artists, and theatrical performers. Learn more and start a submission here.

Arts for All—Join the Movement!

OSPI, the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA), Inspire Washington,  Arts Ed Washington and the Creative Advantage have formed the Arts for All (A4A) Coalition to ensure that all PreK-12 students in Washington State have access to quality arts learning.  A4A seeks to achieve this by developing statewide arts leadership, collecting and analyzing arts education data, and supporting educators and teaching artists through professional learning opportunities. Sign up to stay informed.

  Save these Dates!

• “Art of Belonging” Migrant and Arts Education Conference at the Yakima Convention Center, Aug 17-18. Register here.
• WA State Elementary Music Professional Development Calendar organized by the Washington Music Educators Association