Eighth grade student Julia Taphouse is a winner in the annual 2024 Wyland National Art and Classroom Mural Challenge. Her winning entry is an acrylic mural of a whale and her interpretation of the natural world through art.

The challenge encourages students throughout the nation to give thought to the conservation issues the world faces and to interpret them artistically, thus gaining a greater understanding of their role as caretakers of the environment. This year’s art contest theme was environment and water conservation. Five hundred schools from 45 states participated, and there were 20,000 entries from students in grades K-12. There were three competition categories: classroom life size mural, photography and individual art, of which Julia was a grade winner.

Teacher Joe Bridgwood explained that Julia had been learning how to blend and mix colors in the aspect of the painter Wyland, who is famously known for painting life size marine life on the sides of buildings. Mr. Bridgwood also lauded Julia’s realism that exudes much of Wyland’s flair and realism, as well as his use of light to affect a painting’s depicted environment.

Julia’s winnings included a $50 gift card for art supplies from Blick Art Materials.

Date Added: 2/6/2025