Five CPA lower school students were recognized for their artwork by the Tennessee Art Education Association, State of Tennessee Art Review and Showcase (STARS). The STARS Elementary Exhibition showcases artwork created by kindergarten through fifth-grade students from across Tennessee. It is selected by a panel of judges who evaluate the works for alignment with visual art standards, technique, personal expression, and organization. 

The five students recognized will have their artwork displayed at the Tennessee State Museum! The Tennessee State Museum will host a reception and exhibition of winning work in March of 2026, which will run through May. They will also feature a virtual exhibition on their website. 

Second-grader Mabel Foltz and Kindergartner Ella Cunningham’s artwork will be exhibited at the “Best of the Best” statewide exhibit at the Tennessee Arts Academy in July 2026, for their Best in Show and first-place artwork awards. Read their artist statements and view the artwork below!
 

Ella Cunningham (K), 1st Place, Kindergarten
Title: "Josie's Favorite Donut"
Artist Statement: For my art I used watercolor paint. I made my grandma's dog Josie in the window and I love it.

Harrison Alger (1st), 2nd Place, First Grade
Title: "God's Creation"
Artist Statement: This is my family on a boat when we went to Croatia to see our family history. I used the oil pastel technique blending values. My favorite part about my art is the stuff that God made.

Mabel Foltz (2nd), Best in Show, Kindergarten-Second Grade 
Title: "Spring Rainbow"
Artist Statement: I made a contour drawing of a flower vase. Contour drawing is when you use a line to draw your picture and do not pick up your drawing material. My favorite part of my art is the faucet, also the cabinets and the sunshine.

Colette Roberts (3rd), 2nd Place, Third Grade 
Title: "Neon Fall"
Artist Statement: For my piece of art I used oil pastels. The techniques I used are scratching, layering colors, and blending values. My favorite part of my art work is the leaves falling from the tree and the deer.

Luke Wensing (4th), 3rd Place, Fourth Grade 
Title: "The Elephant in the Rain"
Artist Statement: I used the oils pastel technique layering colors and blending values in my art. My art represents nature because. Something special about my art is that it is raining on my elephant.