Winner Announcement
Congratulations to the winners of the America250 – Detroit Lakes Community Art Showcase!
Artists of all ages and experience levels were invited to answer the question, “What does America250 mean to you?” through artwork exploring the people, places, history, values, and moments that have shaped our nation and community.
First Place — $1,500: Maren Kostrzewski
Second Place — $750: Jessica Edwards
Third Place — $500: Michael Pettit
People’s Choice Award — $750: Jessica Edwards
Thank you to the artists who shared their creativity and perspective, to everyone who viewed the showcase, and to the 203 people who cast a vote for the People’s Choice Award!
The America250 – Detroit Lakes Community Art Showcase was sponsored by VFW Post 1676 in partnership with Project 412.
Information about the Artists' work:
1st Place: Motherland
Artwork Title: Motherland
Artist: Maren Kostrzewski
Art Medium: Watercolor
The eagle built her nest on a foundation of stolen land and the chains of slave labor. Still, foundations can be repaired, and promises made good. Amongst the intertwining of all spiritualities, the chain and the noose are repurposed to fill gaps where someone could fall. The bird protects, for all, the freedom of conscience and religion, of expression, of association and assembly, and freedom from fear and want. We haven’t yet achieved this goal. It’s possible if we work together, following a mother’s instinct to incubate, protect, and nurture it. We have the potential. We just need a mother.
2nd Place: Western Worn
& People's Choice
Artwork Title: Western Worn
Artist: Jessica Edwards
Art Medium: Wood
Western Worn honors the relentless grit and labor of the American cowboy, the architects of our nation’s countryside. Hand-turned from wood, this sculpted hat embodies a legacy carved from hardship, resilience, and unyielding determination. Every weathered detail and texture tells a story of the hands that shaped the frontier. Through this piece, I invite viewers to reflect on the foundational perseverance that defined our past and continues to shape the enduring spirit of the American landscape.
3rd Place: Key to the Future
Artwork Title: Key to the Future
Artist: Michael Pettit
Art Medium: Sculpture
The United States is a land of many opportunities. Many of these opportunities are made possible by electricity and the other innovations of our forefathers. My sculpture calls to mind the famous experiment of Ben Franklin to collect the static electricity in clouds, using a kite and a key.
Media Contacts
Amy Stearns – Project 412
Executive Director
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 218-844-4597
Carmen McCullough – Project 412 Marketing
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 218-850-1413
