MANSFIELD — Artapolooza 2026 took place from April 17 to 22 at Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center with over 3,000 students exhibiting art.
Twenty-three local school districts participated in this year’s event including Abraxas School, Buckeye Central Local Schools, Bucyrus City Schools, Clear Fork Valley Local Schools, Crestline Exempted Village Schools, Crestline St. Joseph School, Crestview Local Schools, Discovery School, F.I.R.S.T. School, Foundation Academy, Galion City Schools, GOAL Digital Academy, Highland Local Schools, Lexington Local Schools, Lucas Local Schools, Madison Local Schools, Mansfield City Schools, Mansfield Christian School, Mt. Gilead Local Schools, Northmor Local Schools, Old Fort Local Schools, Plymouth-Shiloh Local Schools and St. Peter’s High School.
Gracie Gallaway of Crestview Senior High School took Best of Show with her acrylic floral portrait.
“Gracie’s gift for capturing the nuance of human expression is extraordinary. Her Best of Show win is a testament to both her technical skill and her unique artistic vision,” stated Jennifer Pennell, Gifted Education Consultant and coordinator of the event.
Crestview art teachers Emily Fitch, Erin Dendinger, Anne DaHinden and Ashley Cornell were also recognized, earning the Best Display award for their students’ collective presentation.
High School Division Standouts:
1st Place: Kayla Mendez (Highland High School)
2nd Place: Anastasia Stimens (Mansfield Senior High School)
3rd Place: Aria Wright (Northmor High School)
Middle School Division Standouts:
1st Place: Eelyn Crist (Lucas Local Schools)
2nd Place: Ariel Ramsey (Crestview Local Schools)
3rd Place: Olive Richards (Clear Fork Valley Local Schools)
The Rising Star Award: This year, the revived Rising Star Award was presented to Georgia Gantz from Highland High School. This honor recognizes a student whose work demonstrates exceptional promise for a professional career in the arts. To support her continued journey, Georgia received a curated selection of professional art supplies.
In addition to these awards, 42 Budding Artist Award certificates were given to elementary students showing great potential as young artists. Forty-seven Outstanding Artist Award certificates and thirty Honorable Mention medals were given as well.
For a complete list of award recipients, go to Mid-Ohio ESC’s website at www.moesc.net. Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center provides specialized academic and support services to 13 school districts and over\ 20,000 students in Crawford, Morrow and Richland Counties. Client districts receive services from curriculum, gifted and special education consultants, speech pathologists, psychologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists and physical therapists.