Indiana’s electric cooperatives and their statewide magazine, Indiana Connection, recently named the winners of the 26th annual Cooperative Calendar of Student Art contest.

Justine Ocken, a high school junior from South Whitley, was named artist of the year for her color pencil work of a horse, rider and a dog wading in an autumn stream. The work also was named Best of Show. A second work by Ocken was awarded honorable mention.

A first-place artist also was selected for each grade, K-12. Each will receive $200. Their artwork will illustrate the cover and the 12 months of a 2024 calendar. Thirteen additional artists earned an honorable mention award and $75. These works will appear in a special section of the calendar.

Two Jackson County students earned first-place honors, and two others received honorable mention.

The first-place artists from Jackson County and their grades were Serenity White, Medora, kindergarten, and Chloe Holtke, Seymour, sixth grade. Those receiving honorable mention were Arabella White, Medora, second grade, and Lily Fouts, fourth grade.

“We are proud to recognize and showcase the artistic talents of our youth,” said John Cassady, CEO of Indiana Electric Cooperatives.

Artwork was judged on artistic merit, originality, creativity and its suitability for a wall calendar. The art contest is open to any Indiana K-12 student. Approximately 2,500 pieces of artwork were entered in this year’s contest.

The 2024 wall calendar will be available at the offices of participating Indiana electric cooperatives this fall.