Pear artwork (left) is by Abbi Brown. The Face (right) is artwork by Erin Aschoff
Recently, the Wakefield Community Schools Gymnasium was transformed into a vibrant tapestry of teenage perspective. The Wakefield BIG Art Show on Thursday, March 19, featured over 500 pieces of original work from area high schoolers, proving that the next generation of creatives is already making its mark on the community.
Behind every framed painting or molded sculpture were months of rigorous preparation. For these students, the show was a masterclass in the professional art world. Beyond just “making art,” participants had to learn to mat and frame work.
For many, this was their first time seeing their work in a public realm. "It puts me out there,” said Jade Halsey, a participating senior. Jade was honored as the Outstanding Artist from Osmond Community Schools for the 2026 Wakefield BIG Art Show.
Other artists representing the Osmond community included seniors Abigail Brown, Carriana Kumm, Justin Rohloff, Kaleigh Miller, Riley Williams, Erin Aschoff, Ava Reikofski, Jack Berg, Meagan Wagner and Piper Hoffman; juniors Delilah Koehler, Rachel Kuehler and Ashlyn Spangler; sophomores Dawson Gansebom, Jesse Jensen, Nick Kumm, Easton Steinkraus and Erica Northcutt, and eighth graders Ally Dahlin, Kendra Gardner, Kayleigh Bolz, Kaylee Bahr, Sierra Koehler, Alyvia Koehler, William Crosby, Gage Krienert, Aubree Erickson, Ashlynn Riley and Alex Fritz.
Osmond students displayed 92 pieces of art in the Wakefield BIG Show and had 36 pieces receive Judges Merits, the highest honor that multiple pieces of art can receive. The only higher honor is to be awarded the overall Best of Show award given to a single piece of art for the entire show.
The Osmond Art Program will have work on display again March 27-30 at the Lewis & Clark Conference Art Show held in the Wayne State College Atrium.
