Each year Art students submit and compete in the annual student art show hosted by the Calaveras Art Council, named ArtSpirit. This year's exhibition concluded on Thursday, April 16 at the Calaveras Arts Council gallery in San Andreas.
Again this year, a Bret Harte student earned Best in Show. Junior Annie Farris earned Best in Show 2D with her painting, “Moon Hooch” which was created on RM 11’s cabinet doors that were removed and on full display for spectators.
Bret Harte art students swept the entire painting/acrylic and oil category with the painting “Master Yoda” by junior Kaitlyn Contreras placing first, “Bear of Truck” by junior Madison DeAmicis placing second, and “By the Port” by junior Drew Chapman and “Rainy Night” by sophomore Axel Nicholson, tied for third place.
In the painting/watercolor category, sophomore Milo Jirka took first place with his painting, “You Hate Jazz?” and junior Bailey Deplitch placed third with her painting “Bubbles.” In drawing and ink, “Salamantha” by junior Joseph Odin Onstad placed first and senior Gavin Walker placed third. In ceramics, junior Calley Adams placed first with her piece, “Crab Painter,” and junior Isaac Godinez third with his piece, “Celestial Echo.” Junior Dahlia Guillon earned an honorable mention in mixed media along with junior Emma Sage in digital.
Read more about the ArtSpirit 2026 at https://www.calaverasenterprise.com/articles/arts-entertainment/young-artists-take-center-stage-at-art-spirit-finale-in-san-andreas. Last year’s Bret Harte ArtSpirit winners can be viewed at https://www.brethartebullfrogs.org/o/bhhs/article/2161569. Learn more about the Calaveras Arts Council at https://www.calaverasarts.org.
Photos courtesy of Mr. Waelty. Pictured, Annie Farris and “Moon Hooch.”