Mount Vernon High School senior Kennedy Howard has taken her art to a new level, earning state-level recognition in one of Ohio’s most competitive art exhibitions. Her piece, “Scraping Away,” was selected as one of the top 250 artworks in the Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition, a major achievement that highlights her talent and hard work.
The Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition is a juried competition that showcases some of the best high school artists across the state. This year, nearly 5,800 entries were submitted by students in grades 9 through 12. Of those, about 1,100 advanced to the regional level, and only around 300 were selected as state winners.
These winners are divided into groups such as the Top 25, Top 250, and the Cameo Show. Kennedy’s work was named to the Top 250 and will be on display from April 12 through May 14 at the James A. Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus. Her piece stands out not only for its visual impact, but also for its meaning.
“This piece represents what it feels like to try to get rid of something that is a part of you,” Howard said.
Her artwork shows both emotion and skill, combining strong technique with personal meaning. According to her art teacher, Mrs. Katie Gentry, that is what sets Kennedy apart from other students.
“Kennedy has a strong eye for composition and a good understanding of how light works when applying value to her pieces,” Gentry said. “She uses a high degree of craftsmanship when creating her artworks and is not afraid to take risks when using unfamiliar mediums.”
That willingness to take risks has helped Kennedy grow significantly as an artist over the years. She began developing basic skills early in high school and continued improving by trying new techniques.
“I’ve done art for as long as I can remember,” Howard said. “I would guess early elementary school.”
Over time, that early interest grew into something more serious. Howard learned how to take ideas and make them her own, developing a unique personal style.
“Kennedy has grown as an artist by first learning how to replicate the reference photos she used for her artwork and then applying her own personal style,” Gentry said. “Over the years her ability to use different mediums has grown and she has refined her craftsmanship.”
