Waterloo ArtShare Premiere

Art students from Waterloo-area high schools celebrated the public display of their work at Veridian Credit Union's annual ArtShare Premiere on Monday. ArtShare features an annual collection of art created by select students from Columbus, East, Expo Alternative, Valley Lutheran and West high schools. The pieces are chosen by the schools' art department leaders and professionally framed or prepared for display in Veridian's branch at 1827 Ansborough Ave. The pieces will remain on display in the branch throughout the year.

The 2014 Waterloo ArtShare collection is made up of 52 original works, which range from digital photography and graphic design to paintings and pottery. The collection was unveiled at Monday's ArtShare Premiere to more than 125 attendees, including artists' family and friends, credit union leaders, school administrators and teachers.

"ArtShare gives us a unique opportunity to share our appreciation of the young, local talent in our community with our members," said Molly Schmidt, Veridian's Northeast Regional Manager. "The students' art helps create a welcoming atmosphere in our branch and expands the artists' audience in a public space. It's a valuable partnership that benefits many."

Veridian partners with schools in Ankeny and Cedar Rapids to coordinate similar ArtShare displays. The Ankeny ArtShare Premiere unveiled a collection in January, and the Cedar Rapids Premeire was February 24.

Students featured in the 2014 ArtShare Premiere in Waterloo are:
Columbus High School – Bailey Corkery, Caroline James, Kayla Kneeland, Dominic Lazum, Hunter Morehouse, Maggie O'Connor, Sierra O'Rourke, Elizabeth Paar, Gabrielle Pranger, Rachael Schaefer, Anna Strien, Sam Vest and Maggie Weber

East High School – Adriana Almaraz, Nathan Card, Nick Cary, Leoantonio Fulcher, Amanda Kinman, James Lichty, Janet Mason, Megan Nerison, Haley Paige, Talon Plum, Tru Robinson, Mallory Sage, Yvonne Spencer, Tyreese Thompson and Katie Torgerson

Expo Alternative High School – Alexander Bowers, Denis Maric, Nikole Sims and Kapria Thompson

Valley Lutheran High School – Jacob Lanning, Whittney Tomkins, Joshua Wynstra and Caleb Wynstra

East High School – Katelyn Bronson, Esmeralda Contreras, Adolfo Diggins, Samra Dizdarevic, Katherine Kaliban, Alexa Lavin, Serenity Newell, Kalsey Rasmussen, Pue Reh, Alexis Samuelson, Michael Tucker, Mikayla Wahl, Mackenzie Wehr and Alicia Woodward