Artapolooza 2025 brought together more than 3,000 student artists for a weeklong celebration of creativity, imagination, and expression from April 4–9 at the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center. With 18 school districts participating, the event has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated showcases of student artistry.
Galion City Schools: A Strong Showing in Every Age Group
Galion City Schools stood out among the many districts represented, with students earning top honors in both the high school and middle school divisions.
Genevieve Smith took second place in the high school division with a piece that impressed judges with its technique and emotional depth. In the middle school category, Gavin Goldsmith also brought home a second place award, demonstrating both skill and creativity beyond his years.
These achievements underscore Galion’s growing reputation for excellence in the arts, supported by dedicated educators and a community that values student expression.
Inspiration for the Next Generation
Along with top placements, Galion elementary students were among those recognized with Budding Artist and Outstanding Artist awards, affirming the district’s commitment to cultivating creativity from the earliest grades.
Art instructor recognition and student encouragement were on full display as the Mid-Ohio ESC awarded 42 Budding Artist certificates and 43 Outstanding Artist certificates across participating schools, nurturing the next generation of artists.
Art Beyond the Classroom: From School Walls to Public Galleries
This year’s Artapolooza also marked an exciting collaboration between the Mansfield Public Art Commission and the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library. Top award-winning students, including Galion’s own Genevieve Smith, have been invited to display their works in “The Mayor’s Show: Rising Artists of Mid-Ohio,” opening May 1 in the second-floor gallery at the Main Library in Mansfield. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will celebrate the exhibit at 4:30 PM that day.
Recognizing Talent and Promise
In addition to student and school awards, the event revived its Rising Star Award, presented this year to Chloe Wetzel of Crestview High School. The award comes with a supply of art materials designed to inspire continued exploration and growth in the visual arts.
Supporting the Arts Across Districts
Artapolooza is more than just an exhibition—it’s a testament to the power of art education. Organized by the Mid-Ohio ESC, the event highlights the impact of strong arts programming across Crawford, Morrow, and Richland Counties. The Center serves more than 20,000 students across 13 districts, offering services that enrich learning and support diverse educational needs.
To view a complete list of award winners and explore photos from Artapolooza 2025, visit www.moesc.net. And don’t miss the opportunity to support Galion’s rising artists at the Main Library exhibit this May.
