NEDERLAND - The 13th annual “Art at Altitude” show returned to Nederland Middle-Senior High School on Friday, May 2, 2025, drawing families, friends, and community members to a colorful celebration of student creativity. 

Over 275 works of art were submitted by middle and high school students, with each artist granted up to four entries. The event showcased a wide range of talents across categories, including drawing, painting, 3D art, and photography.

For new art teacher Judie Sievers, this was her first year organizing the show, and she had help from others, including former art teacher and longtime organizer Theresa Redmon. 

“I would like to thank Donna Fleming, a former Nederland bus driver and photographer, for putting together this art show with me,” Sievers added.

Entries were judged by a panel of three volunteers—Deb D’Andrea, Ashley Allen, and Danielle Laramie—who spent hours carefully reviewing the submissions. 

“It was challenging to select winners, as each artist’s unique piece reflected individual talents, and evoked a sense of connection with the artist,” D’Andrea said. “I’ll definitely sign up to volunteer again—it was an absolute honor.”

Winners were awarded first, second, and third place honors in each category, along with honorable mentions. The community also had a chance to weigh in through the “People’s Choice Award,” where attendees could vote for their favorite middle and high school entries for $1 each. All entry fees and voting proceeds went directly to the student prize pool. 

First place high school winners received $50 gift cards to various Nederland businesses, while second and third place winners received swag bags and prizes ranging from $10 to $100. Local sponsors included New Moon Bakery, Sweet Sue’s, Ace Hardware, Crosscut Pizzeria, Ned General Store, The Carousel of Happiness, The Train Cars Coffee, and B & F Mountain Market. 

Among the standout pieces this year was “Bubbles” by high school student Lauren Schrader, which took first in 3D art. Judges noted the technical skill, attention to detail, and imaginative use of color and texture. 

Cedar Shupe’s “The Watchers” earned a First in high school drawing and tied for the high school People’s Choice Award alongside Maxine Toorenberg’s depiction of Medusa. 

For middle school, Penelope Turner took First in painting with a piece that conveyed emotional depth and strong composition, while Rowan Leavens’ 3D nature-inspired installation captured First in its category.

Izzy Moore took first place in Middle School Drawing, while Ollive Hawkins took second place for her piece “T.V. Girl,” which judges said showed excellent color saturation and graduation.

Middle School Winners:

Photography

• First Place: Silas Fitzer and Nixon Dodge

• 2nd Place: Nora Howell and Claire Hambourger

• Honorable Mention: Mila Coykendall and Maise Schaub

3-D Art

• First Place: Rowan Leavens

• Second Place: Ciel Seavers

• Honorable Mention: Camille LeFaiver

Drawing

• First Place: Izzy Moore

• Second Place: Ollive Hawkins

• Honorable Mention: Cora Coon

Painting

• First Place: Penelope Turner

• Second Place: Isla Harmon

• Third Place: Jade Padmore

• Honorable Mention: Nora Shurr

High School Winners:

Photography

• First Place: Laila Waldron

• Second Place: Talon Barry

• Third Place: Tad Collins

• Honorable Mention: Libby Chandler

3-D Art

• First Place: Lauren Schrader

• Second Place: Kendall Zotti

• Third Place: Cedar Shupe

• Honorable Mention: Halle Peiffer

Drawing

• First Place: Cedar Shupe

• Second Place: Maxine Toorenburg

• Honorable Mention: Evelyne Stanton

Painting

• First Place: Abby Hess

• Second Place: Adeline Buckley

• Third Place: Leo Filippello

• Honorable Mention: Natalie Garcia Upczak

People’s Choice Awards:

• Middle School: Ciel Seavers

• High School: tie, Cedar Shupe and Maxine Toorenburg

Sievers said pieces listed with an email are for sale and can be purchased through the school. 

Throughout the year, students explored diverse art styles and cultural influences. They hand-built pottery, collaborated on murals, experimented with Aboriginal dot painting, and studied the work of artists like Alma Thomas and Louise Nevelson. 

High school art students engaged with everything from value shading to Picasso-inspired pieces, learning not just technique, but also problem-solving, collaboration, and expression.

Community support played a significant role in the show’s success. Volunteers like Seth Coulter and Brittany Zocolle were credited for their ongoing help in the art studio, with Coulter showing up to nearly every pottery class. 

Paraprofessional Kathryn Cooper was recognized for her unwavering enthusiasm, and teacher Daniel Wade announced the People’s Choice winners. 

As the crowd lingered to snap photos, pin ribbons to winning works, and connect over student creations, it was clear the spirit of Art at Altitude remained strong. 

For many, it wasn’t just an art show but a celebration of connection, growth, and pride in what young artists can accomplish when supported by their school and community.