2026 annual high school student show
March 26th – April 4th, 2026
Reception: Thursday, March 26th, 4:30PM – 5:30PM
Awards are announced at 5PM during the reception!
The Octagon Center for the Arts highlights artwork by local elementary, middle, and high school students annually.
Update in regards to the Digital Show:
This year, after an analysis of our entries, we have decided to eliminate the digital aspect of the student show. We will re-evaluate the digital aspect in coming years.
High School
Award Winners
Jeffrey L. Brown Best In Show Award:
Dzhesika Okumahba – “Golden Walk”
Gilbert HS (Senior)
Jeffrey L. Brown Digital Media/Photography Award:
Gracie Davis – “See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil”
West Marshall HS (Junior)
Jeffrey L. Brown Mixed Media Award:
Bree Kruger – “The Ruined Town”
Ballard HS (Senior)
David Burton Stone 3D/Sculpture Award:
Arden McCuddin – “A Night in the Park”
Ballard HS (Senior)
David Burton Stone Drawing Award:
Ella Grail – “Duality”
Ames HS (Junior)
David Burton Stone Painting Award:
Abby Godbold – “I’ll Miss You”
Ballard HS (Senior)
Marjorie S. Garfield Scholarship Award:
June Dimond – “Wake of the Earthquake”
Ames HS (Senior)
Our 2026
Juror
Juror: Peter Scheidt
ISU Assistant Professor of Wood + Material Studies
Peter Scheidt’s creative studio work is research and concept-driven, yet firmly grounded in the craft of furniture and woodworking. His sculptures explore questions of function, non-function, and meaning by manipulating and altering found and discarded furniture. Scheidt received a bachelor’s degree in media theory and studio art from Brown University before earning an MFA in furniture design and woodworking at San Diego State University. He has exhibited widely in juried, group, and solo exhibitions at venues and is Assistant Professor of Wood + Material Studies in Iowa State University’s Department of Art and Visual Culture.
This show is made possible
thanks to our 2026 supporters!
Brown Endowment Fund | Stone Endowment Fund
QUESTIONS?
Contact: Katie DuVal Mihelich, Gallery Director OR Heather Johnson, Executive Director
Address: 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA 50010
Phone: 515-232-5331