Three Okaloosa Students Named Finalists in the 2024 Florida Space Art Contest
The Okaloosa County School District is thrilled to announce that three talented students have been selected as finalists in the 2024 Florida Space Art Contest, a statewide competition for K-5 students. With nearly 2,600 entries from across Florida, the contest challenged students to design Florida’s future spacesuits. Okaloosa County finalists include:
- Jason Ritnour, a second-grade student at Kenwood Elementary School
- Vanessa Wesbur, a second-grade student at Wright Elementary School
- Isabella Wesbur, a fourth-grade student at Northwest Florida Ballet Académie
Each finalist receives two tickets to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in recognition of their exceptional creativity and unique vision for the future of space exploration. “We’re incredibly proud of these students for their talent and dedication,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “To have three finalists from Okaloosa County among thousands of entries is truly special.”
Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, who launched this year’s contest at Plew Elementary School in April, praised the students’ work: “Congratulations to the finalists and to all participants who brought imagination and skill to their artwork. I look forward to celebrating Florida’s young artists and recognizing their contributions to our state’s space legacy.” The Florida Space Art Contest was designed to inspire students to explore space through art. Two grand prize winners from other counties will have their artwork launched on an upcoming SpaceX mission.
Call to Artists for the Holiday Arts Gallery!
The Okaloosa Arts Alliance (OAA) invites all Okaloosa County artists, art & culture organizations to participate in the third annual Holiday Arts Gallery on Saturday, Dec. 14, Noon to 3 p.m. Hosted by HH Arts, located at 100 Beal Parkway SW, FWB, artists working in all media are encouraged to participate including painters, sculptors, jewelers, potters and other creative makers. The Holiday Arts Gallery promises to be a vibrant marketplace for unique, handcrafted gifts, perfect for holiday shoppers looking to support local talent.
Spaces can be reserved by local artists and art or cultural organizations for $15 for OAA/ADSO members and $30 for Non-members. Artists are encouraged to sell their artwork as well as provide live demonstrations. For more information, visit https://www.okaloosaarts.org/2024-holiday-arts-gallery.html or text (850) 218-2155 or email okaloosaarts@outlook.com
This exciting event is free and open to the public, offering the perfect opportunity to showcase your work to holiday shoppers while connecting with fellow artists and community members. Visitors, get their holiday shopping done while enjoying live music by Grow Your Gift Conservatory of Music, art demonstrations and refreshments. Plus, there will be exciting drawings, with proceeds benefiting the Okaloosa Arts Alliance and its mission to support the local arts community.
