The Art for Life 2024-25 student photography exhibition was held on May 21 at the Morgan County Alternative School.
Art for Life, a community-funded arts education outreach program, has a long history of providing skills training that is often missing from the Crossroads alternative education curriculum. In the last few years, it has expanded to include essential life skills training.
Art for Life began almost 25 years ago, and in 2018, the Madison Artists Guild took it under their wing. Teachers Elizabeth Collins Hanes and Angelina Bellebuono assigned their students the task of taking 10 photos for the exhibit. Most students are middle schoolers, and they did all the work in arranging and hanging the art for this celebration.
Awards were handed out during the celebration. Kyle Johnston won first place for his photo “Koda Knows,” Haley Watson won second place and People’s Choice for “Upper Room,” and Kaden Smith-Taylor won third place for “Free Journey.”
Best in Show went to Tyler Richie for “Hot Seat,” and an Honorable Mention went to Ryder Beatenbaugh for “Jake Wants Food.”
A special award of thanks, in the form of a large packet of Oreos, went to Zariah Smith-Taylor for her hard work in assisting teachers and fellow artists during this event.
Fourteen-year-old Tyler, who won Best in Show, aspires to work as a nature and wildlife photographer and has been taking photos for many years.
Eleven-year-old Haley Watson, who won second place and the People’s Choice Award, had four photos featured in Art for Life and also wants a career in photography.
All photos will be matted and mounted to be featured at Madison Artists Guild’s MAGallery (125 W. Jefferson St., Madison) in June and July.
Each photo will be for sale, with 70% of the proceeds going to the artist and 30% to the Art for Life program.