On Wednesday, April 22, the Meskwaki High School hosted the 2026 Star Conference Art Invitational. There were nine participating schools with about 120 students entering art pieces for competition.
The day began with our Dance-versity dancers and singers. Bryson Grant – Woodland Traditional Dancer, Channing Whitefish – Grass Dancer, and Jaymison Hill – Fancy Dancer put on a great show showcasing three different dance styles. Singers included Keki Bear, Jaymison Hill, Jarvis Bear and Seve Scabbyrobe. Incredible performances wowed the audience!
After the performance, art students gathered around Bryson and Channing to sketch them in their regalia.
Students enjoyed breakout sessions with talented volunteers from the community. Thank you to these amazing artists who shared their knowledge, stories, and the Meskwaki culture:
Wanda Lasley: Moccasin Making
Gia Brown-Bear: Beading
Elleh Slick-Driscoll: Twine Bag Weaving
Tanisha Azure: Photo Collage
Denise Davenport: Yarn Belts
Kayla Wanatee: Printmaking
Dawson Davenport: Illustration
MSS Art students acted as guides, manned activity stations, assisted artists, ran errands, and were just amazing humans! They were gracious hosts and were invaluable in making the day a success.
The day ended with an awards ceremony with Meskwaki students receiving the following awards:
Romy Buffalo 2nd place in Mixed Media 2D
Seve Scabbyrobe 2nd place in Printmaking
Desirea Seymour 1st place in Pencil Drawing
Ciera Youngbear Student-Choice for Best in Show
Amyla Sheridan 2nd place in Watercolor
Amyla Sheridan Honorable Mention for Student-Choice Best in Show
Damien Davenport 3rd place in Photography
Our school community really came together to support this event. Some gave up their classrooms to give us space for our sessions, some jumped in at the last minute to save the day. Thanks to the Maintenance team, the cafeteria staff, the front office staff, Steadman Brown, Tracy Sienknecht , Lana Roberts, Nick Vesley for giving us the gym for two days, Wendy Witt for capturing the day in photos, Lisa Schaefer, Shanda Spiker, Jeanette Youngbear, and Julie Bausom for staying up late weaving, Sydney Protheroe and Grace Kvidera for judging. Thanks to our teachers who kept on teaching despite any chaos surrounding them. Thanks to Mr. Sathers for doing anything that needs to be done. He has moved many tables.
Next year our students will travel to another school to attend the Star Conference Art Invitational.
~Debra Shore, MSS Art Teacher