SPRING ART SHOW
McDowell County high schoolers show off art, music, more
The 2026 Spring Arts Show was held March 16 in the commons area of McDowell High School. At the entrance to the show were, from left to right, choir director Emily Latimore, creative writing teacher Andy Ferguson, drama teacher Karah Wilson (sitting), visual arts teacher Sarah Marsh and band director Alyssa Clontz.
Students Dawson Jenkins and Ian Gardner perform the song "In a Sentimental Mood" on saxophone and drums.
Visual arts teacher Sarah Marsh stands with some of her students' creations including this award-winning portrait of Dolly Parton.
Students check out some of the pottery on display at the Spring Arts Show.
Artwork at the 2026 Spring Arts Show at McDowell High School.
Students Ian Gardner and Sam Ontiveros played an original composition on electric guitar and drums.
THE BRIGHT SIDE
Monday afternoon and evening was a time for McDowell High School students to show off their talents, whether it was in the visual arts, the performing arts or creative writing.
The 2026 Spring Art Show was held in the commons area of McDowell High School on Monday, March 16. Students displayed their works in the visual arts such as painting and sculpture and performed music, singing and poetry.
Visual arts teacher Sarah Marsh, drama teacher Karah Wilson and other instructors all welcomed those who came out for the arts show, including the students, their families and friends.
The following is the list of students who contributed artwork for the show:
Art II: Maddox Wisor, Cheyanne Wanek, Valentina Leon, Snowlily Paben, Laney Williams, Gracie Lanning, Marlee Moore, Madison Mills, Destiny Cooper-Gaines, Isabella Hernandez, Savannah Smith, Rebekah Dalton, Nhilah Warren, Alyson Wheeler, Allison SanchezMarquez, Cailee Williams, Alliyah Pope, Fox Griffin, Carly Barnhill, Brooklyn Monsteller and Kate Martinez.
Art III & IV: Christina Cannon (Art IV) first place in the competition, Barbara Nell Leggett (Art III) second place in the competition, Aras Lavender (Art III) third place in the competition, Cheyanne Ratcliffe, Krysten "Hallie" Brucke, Lissette Pacheco Sosa, Hazel Epely, Esmeralda "Karmie" Gayton, Zoe Zullo, Kailey Brewer, Mason Beal, Elijah Houck, Maggie Smith, Julius Hensley and Madison Revis.
The works covered painting, drawing, pottery and sculpture. This year, the show showcased some work from the Career Technical Program at McDowell High School, including metal work from instructor Keith Scoles, 3D modeling work from instructor Daniel Smith, Adobe creations from instructor Wesley Minish, floral designs by Sophie Voris and woodworking from Shane Ramsey. There are more programs supported at McDowell High through CTE, like firefighting, emergency medicine, welding, HVAC, entrepreneurship and others.
The show also featured the performing arts. Throughout the evening, there were performances by band small ensembles, chorus and spoken word presentations from creative writing and short scenes and monologues by theatre arts students. There were costume designs on mannequins from the productions of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Frankenstein."
The members of the Titan Band showed off their talents first.
Dawson Jenkins and Ian Gardner performed the song "In a Sentimental Mood" on saxophone and drums.
Ian Gardner and Sam Ontiveros played an original composition on electric guitar and drums.
A saxophone group did their version of "Break My Stride." The group consisted of Amber Blue, Dawson Jenkins, Alexis Miniguano, Maggie Rink and Ian Gardner.
A clarinet quartet of Dawson Jenkins, Phoenix Miller, Alexis Miniguano and Malachi Williams performed "Mr. Sandman."
After a short break, Savannah Wilson, representing the Titan Theatre, sang "Roxie" from the musical "Chicago." Wilson was a top placer in the MHS talent show and will be representing McDowell High at the countywide talent show in April.
The choral students also performed under the direction of Emily Latimore. They performed "Shenandoah" with Malice Mitchell singing a solo and "Homeward Bound" featuring soloist Madeline Ricketts.
Ava Effler then sang an original song and accompanied herself on guitar.
The final presentation was by creative writing students as they presented their poetry and dramatic readings. The students were Porter McKinney, Alexis Caviness, Karina Gonzalez and Kai Guffey.
