BOARDMAN, Ohio – Gina Misel, a senior at Boardman High School, created a unique work of art that caught the attention of the national judges in the Scholastic Art competition.
Her piece, titled “As the Stars Align,” earned an American Visions Award. It was judged against the “best of the best” nominees from across the country.
Misel’s mixed-media piece is 24 inches by 31 inches and was created with acrylic paint, paper, gel pen, metallic powder and string.
“This piece is supposed to represent the summer section of life, which would be the equivalent to the beginning of adulthood,” Misel said. “This comparison is supposed to show how people begin to get their careers and life together during this time. The constellations that are shown are present in the summer night sky.”
More than 110,000 students entered the competition, and nearly 310,000 works were considered. Only about 2,800 earned a national award.
“Gina is absolutely meticulous about her pieces and does not accept anything but the best from herself,” said Kate Burnside, Boardman AP art teacher. “She has won awards at the governor’s art show, Scholastics, the Mahoning County show, the prosecutor’s art show and more.”
Misel is a member of the National Art Honor Society and “puts in a lot of hours doing arts-related volunteerism in our community and school system,” Burnside said. “I cannot wait to see what the future holds for her as she moves on to YSU next year to pursue art.”
Misel’s work is among those that will be featured with the 102nd class of Scholastic Art National Medalists at the 2025 awards ceremony June 11 at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Pictured at top: Gina Misel displays her artwork, titled “As the Stars Align.”