DURING A RECENT OVERNIGHT STAY, my 7-year-old grandson asked me to draw the shape of Minnesota. I declined. He, the boy who drew state and world maps even before entering kindergarten, far exceeds me in his map making skills. Correction. He can draw far better than Grandma in any subject.
But it’s not just Isaac who impresses me with his art. It’s kids in general. I base that on my yearly viewing of student art displayed publicly during National Youth Art Month in March. “The World Needs Art” themes this year’s event. I wholeheartedly agree. We absolutely need art to express ourselves, to share ideas, to learn, to grow, to change, to celebrate.
This year I toured exhibits of student art at a K-12 show at the Lakeville Area Arts Center. Although my grandson and his sister attend Lakeville schools, their art is not included. Elementary school art is randomly selected for display, my granddaughter said.
Perhaps some day I’ll see my grandchildren’s art hung inside the Lakeville Area Arts Center. But for now, I enjoyed the creativity of other kids.
Take the mixed media “Loonscape” by kindergartner Aubrey Bartyzal, which earned honorable mention at the elementary school level. I could easily envision her rendition of Minnesota’s state bird on a t-shirt, tote bag or note cards. Set against a fiery sun and swimming in bold blue waters, the loon in Aubrey’s scene shouts “Up North at the Cabin.”
Quite the opposite is high school senior Millie Vosika’s “Night Scene,” depicting a cityscape of towering buildings, a narrow street and a brooding night sky. The acrylic, watercolor and oil painting earned Best of Show and rightfully so. It’s impressive.
A ceramic “Monkey Teapot” by junior Ruby Lyke, simply put, made me happy.
There’s much to celebrate not only in the actual art itself, but also in the student artists who create and in the teachers who guide them. To foster creativity in a child is, in my opinion, invaluable. I’ve bought markers, reams of paper, construction paper and other art supplies for my young grandson, who, if he’s not solving math equations, is drawing.
Some of the Lakeville students drew. Others painted. High schoolers used digital tools. A few molded clay. I saw varied art forms displayed.
I climbed a treehouse. Went to Australia to see the kangaroos. Saw Billie Eilish. All without leaving Lakeville.
That’s art. It takes you places. Broadens your perspective. Opens doors. The world does, indeed, need art.
FYI: To see more student art in area galleries, check out the following: Area Student Art Show at the Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault until April 10; The All School Art Show at the Northfield Arts Guild until March 29; the Owatonna Public Schools K-12 Student Art Exhibition at the Owatonna Arts Center until March 31; the Student Art Show at the Arts & Heritage Center of Montgomery until May 16; and the High School Art Show at the Waseca Art Center from March 24-May 1.
Exhibit photographed with permission of the Lakeville Area Arts Center. Artists retain the copyright to their art.
© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
What wonderful pieces of art!
It’s always fun to see what youth create. I’m always impressed.
Audrey, I’m sure you know how much I love this post! I love when childrens’ art is celebrated and displayed, and they are acknowledged as artists. the teachers and families who encourage and nurture this, and the communities and galleries and places that support their public display all are to be celebrated as well. their gift will be remembered long after the events have taken place and may have been the seed that changed a life in ways they may never realize. my only wish is that all children would have this opportunity and I liked how your granddaughter explained that they are selected randomly at the elementary level and they can still celebrate each other, that is such good lesson in itself. bravo to all!
You’re right. I knew you would love this art story. Thank you for celebrating everyone involved in this art show, especially the young artists.
I agree with what Beth said 100%. This is so fantastic and uplifting, Audrey. Children are so wildly creative these days. Thank you for sharing their work, and links to see other art works as well.
I agree that kids today are wildly creative. Teachers can make a difference as can accessibility to art.
OMG & OMW – love and love all the creative mediums – thanks oh so much for sharing 🙂 Who does not need a monkey teapot – stinkin cute. Your post has me thinking I need to create more and get the creative juices flowing. I think I am in a rut and living in a box lately. Happy Day – ENJOY!
Time to bust out of that box and create! Thanks for delighting in this youth art.
Art has the ability to transport you to other places and times and see things from a different perspective. What a lovely exhibit.
These young artist always shine. Love seeing their art.