Southeast Alaska Students Shine at Art Fest 2025 in Wrangell

On April 25, 2025, Southeast Alaska high school students gathered in Wrangell for the annual Art Fest, featuring a mosaic stained glass workshop that captivated young artists. The festival, which rotates among Region 5 communities, saw around 70 students participate, showcasing their creative talents.

Students engaged in various hands-on activities, arranging colorful glass pieces on ceramic tiles while others ground down glass with buzzing machines. Wrangell art teacher, Tawney Crowley, noted the event’s intent to connect students with diverse art educators and techniques, having not been hosted in Wrangell for a decade.

Workshops included neurographic art, moccasin making, and knitting, led by both visiting and local artists. While Crowley was responsible for coordinating the festival, her passion for stained glass and torch bead making reflects the dedication of the teaching staff. “It’s about exposing students to different art styles,” she commented.

Students could choose two specialties during the festival, encouraging deep engagement with each medium. Many worked late into the night, relishing the artistic atmosphere. To support future events, instructors donated artwork for an auction held during the closing awards ceremony.

At the ceremony on April 27, students proudly displayed their art. Participants, like Kake sophomore Ayla Loges, described the therapeutic benefits of their workshops, while others found newfound confidence in their artistic skills. Wrangell’s Tawney Crowley was honored with the Rick Mills Spirit of Artfest Award for her contributions to the event.