Library, Art League, Schools Honor Students

The Mary Bishop Memorial Gallery at the Crawfordsville District Public Library would like to invite the public to view the work of the Art League of Montgomery County’s 2026 Art Awardees. This premier exhibit highlights some of the top students from Montgomery County who are choosing to pursue creative endeavors. This exhibit is currently open and will be on display during the month of May. The public is welcome to visit the gallery during CDPL’s regular hours of operation. A limited amount of art is for sale (cash only) during the exhibition through our Circulation department.

The Art League has been recognizing high school students for their artistic creativity and accomplishments for more than 50 years. Each year they ask the three county high schools’ art teachers to select the senior that they wish to honor for their artistic achievements. On behalf of the Art League of Montgomery County, congratulations are offered to each student, as well as, this exhibit opportunity and a check for $600 to encourage their pursuit of the arts. This year’s awardees are Cama Hall, Bristol Presley, and Cloe Blankenship.

North Montgomery High School awardee, Cama Hall is the daughter of Sarah Kessinger. She is a participant in several extracurricular activities including Track, Tech Crew, and Crochet Club. She is dedicated to the performing arts. Cama is deeply involved in Theater and Choir at school, but she is also a singer in the band “Rumor’s End.” She plans to attend the Cosmetology School of Indianapolis. She spends her free time creating art and her favorite medium is watercolor.

Crawfordsville High School awardee, Bristol Presley is the daughter of Brad Presley. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Art Honor Society. Bristol is also very dedicated to performing in Band and Color Guard. Currently, Bristol sells her handmade Jewelry online and plans to continue working as an artist after graduation. Her favorite creative outlet is painting.  

Southmont High School awardee, Cloe Blankenship is the daughter of Claire Coffin and Christopher Blankenship. She is an active member of the Bring Change to Mind Club (BC2M), a student-led, evidence-based group that empowers teens to end the stigma surrounding mental illness. She organizes peer activities that support her classmates’ mental health needs. Cloe is also on the Soccer team. She currently works at the Goodwill Store of Crawfordsville and plans to begin a career at the United States Postal Service after high school. She enjoys painting with acrylics and exploring the world through a photographic lens.

The Art League of Montgomery County has undergone quite a few changes in its 120 plus years, but respect and appreciation for artists and art in its many forms, continues to be an essential characteristic of the organization. The Art league is always welcoming new members, artists and connoisseurs alike. If you are interested in learning more about the Art League of Montgomery County, visit them on Facebook, or pick-up one of their brochures in the lobby or in Adult Services on the second floor of the library.

The gallery would like to also recognize the dedication of Mary Lou Dewald. As a volunteer, her commit to the students, this community, the ALMC, and the arts is appreciated and will leave a lasting impact. Thank you Mary Lou!

For more information about upcoming events at CDPL, please visit our website’s calendar at crawfordsvillelibrary.in.gov. If you are an artist or a member of an artists’ group and are interested in displaying your work at the Mary Bishop Memorial Gallery, please contact the Gallery Coordinator at (765) 362-2242 for more details.