Early Expressions Art Show
Early Expressions is a celebration of art within our school district. In collaboration with the district’s art teachers and the Beach Museum of Art, the Manhattan-Ogden Public Schools Foundation sponsors an annual district-wide art contest for elementary and secondary students.
Over a hundred works of art by Manhattan students are on display in February at the Beach Museum of Art for the annual Early Expressions celebration of art in Manhattan. The Manhattan-Ogden Public Schools Foundation is pleased to sponsored this districtwide art contest for elementary and secondary school students in collaboration with the district’s art teachers, the Beach Museum of Art, SNW Gallery, and the Manhattan Morning Optimist Club.
Over a thousand pieces of original artwork are submitted by students in USD 383 from the elementary schools, both middle schools, and Manhattan High School. The artwork is juried, and the winning ~100 pieces of artwork are showcased at the art museum.
Winners for Early Expressions 2025 were: Best in Show: Myla Bennett, junior, Manhattan High School; K–2nd Division: Raina Wilkinson, 1st grade, Northview Elementary; 3rd –5th Division: Rooney Darrow, 4th grade, Bergman Elementary; High School: Myla Bennett, junior, Manhattan High School; Middle School: Noah Barstow, 8th grade, Anthony Middle School; 3-Dimensional: Clara Mayes, junior, Manhattan High School. Division winners receive $100, and Best in Show will receive a $250 award.
Funds raised through the Early Expressions event are used to enhance the art experiences for students in the district; in the past, the funds have been used for new art equipment, art programming, and funding trips to art galleries in Kansas City for secondary school students.
Early Expressions 2025 Sponsors
Beach Museum of Art, Manhattan Optimist Club, Strecker Nelson West Gallery, Arthur-Green LLP, Commerce Bancshares Foundation, Community First National Bank, Steve and Janet Cooper, Joleen Hill, Icon Structures, Inc, Heather and Bill Lansdowne, Johanna Lyle, Karen McCullough, Sherri “Lee” Meigs, Jim Morrison, Kathy Pauls, Bob Pulford, Bill and Sharon Snyder, Steel & Pipe Supply, Varney & Associates
For more information about Manhattan-Ogden Public Schools Foundation’s Early Expressions program, contact Korey Klingenberg, korey@trinium-inc.com or 785-410-3391.