Central High School art students showcased their work at the Upper Iowa Conference Art Show in April, but this year’s event became more than a traditional display of student artwork.

Hosted by Central, the show was brought to life through an “Art in Espionage” theme, with students from across the conference participating in interactive art “missions,” collaborative projects and hands-on creative experiences.

Central art teacher Carlyn Lechtenberg said it began with brainstorming a theme, but quickly “snowballed” into a full-day experience designed to be entertaining, engaging and educational.

Lechtenberg noted the administration’s support in making the event successful. “Their encouragement and trust allow me the freedom to create engaging and innovative opportunities for students,” she said. “They believe in big ideas and provide the flexibility and support needed to make them a reality.”

Superintendent Micah Gearhart also embraced the theme, welcoming students as they arrived and helping set the tone for the day’s mission.

“With a large group of students, it was important to keep them moving throughout the day,” Lechtenberg said.

Throughout the school, the espionage theme extended beyond the activities themselves. Creative signage transformed the halls and gym into themed mission spaces, handouts matched the spy concept and even Central’s normal art displays were incorporated to note the “missing pieces” that were on display in the show.

Visiting judge Jillian Webb Herrmann praised both the quality of the artwork and the creativity behind the experience.

“There is a massive amount of variety, and the technical work is amazing,” Herrmann said. “It’s not just a show—it’s so much more.”

The first mission, Junior Academy, sent high school students into Central’s K–5 classrooms, where they helped younger students complete an Incognito Spy Name art project. Students created secret agent names, illustrated them with oil pastel symbols and then revealed the hidden designs with watercolor paint. More than 200 finished projects were later assembled into large displays used as the backdrop for the awards ceremony.

The Discovery Lab offered seven spy-themed make-and-take stations, including coded printmaking bookmarks, Morse code bracelets, rock painting, clay worry stones, 3D-printed keychains and plaster sculptures.

Students also visited exhibits from approximately 15 local artists and six college or university art programs, including the University of Northern Iowa’s art and design department, which offered a $500 scholarship to the Best of Show recipient.

Mya Gregerson, a Central sophomore, said being grouped with students from other schools made it easier to talk with people from across the conference, while Tesla Mussman, a Central freshman, said the day “passed by really fast” because students were constantly moving from one activity to the next.

Students also enjoyed the local artist portion of the day, especially when exhibits included interactive elements. Lechtenberg noted that recent Central graduates Jillian Finley and Neva Hill were among the local artists invited back to participate, giving current students a chance to see former classmates continuing to pursue art after high school.

The final mission took students into the ARTchive, where they viewed the art show, completed their secret code, voted for the Student Choice Award and left positive notes on artwork they admired.

For Mussman, seeing artwork from students at other schools and getting to meet the artists behind the pieces was another highlight of the show.

Central artists earned several honors. Mikayla Evans placed first in Craft, third in Sculptural 3D and third in Printmaking. Kaia Engelhardt placed second in Colored Drawing. Middle school students Oriana Burke and Isabelle Reierson received honorable mention recognition.

Central seniors whose artwork was featured included Declan Finley, Micah Hughes and Nathan Lockard. Lechtenberg said Finley has “a deep and creative mind,” Hughes has developed a passion for 3D art and Lockard, who was hesitant to take his first art class this year, “did an excellent job” and learned more than he expected.

After the UIC Art Show ended, Lechtenberg said she felt the experience was not quite finished.

“There was a sense that we were meant to become something bigger than ourselves—to use our art as a way to spread kindness and support others,” she said.

That reflection led to Operation: Giving Gallery, an online storefront where artwork can be downloaded in exchange for a donation. Proceeds support Central fifth grader Eli Belser and his family as he faces cancer for the third time since age four. Community members can visit thegivinggallery.square.site to view student artwork and make a donation.

For students, the Giving Gallery offered a new way for art to make a direct impact.

Gregerson said she appreciated seeing art used as a way to give back.

“We do stuff for sports and other things, but you never really hear people doing it for art or the fine arts program, so it was a good new way to do something for him,” she said.

Lechtenberg hopes the Giving Gallery can continue beyond Central as the UIC Art Show rotates between member schools, giving future host schools a way to support causes in their own communities.

Student artwork is also on display locally at The Collective in Elkader through Thursday, May 21.

Lechtenberg said the partnership with The Collective has been a meaningful part of Central’s art program over the past five years and encouraged community members to visit the gallery and vote for the People’s Choice Award.

Overall, Lechtenberg hopes experiences like the UIC Art Show, The Collective exhibit and The Giving Gallery help students value their creativity beyond the classroom.

“What I hope to achieve most with the Central art program is a strong commitment to creating meaningful, engaging opportunities for students; not just to showcase their work, but to lead, connect, and make an impact,” she said.