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 2025 Art Awardees. This premier exhibit highlights some of the top students from Montgomery County who are choosing to pursue art-based careers.
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.
For more than 50 years, the Art League has been recognizing high school students for their artistic creativity and accomplishments. 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 and a check for $500 to encourage their pursuit of the arts. This year’s awardees are Chloe Headdy, Hailey Kunz and Adah Westphal.
Headdy, the Southmont High School awardee, has lived in Montgomery County for about four years. She has loved making art since she was very young. She spent her childhood trying different mediums, from doodling nonstop to painting detailed images, she has enjoyed it all. As a high school student, Headdy decided to explore photography and graphic design classes. She really enjoyed learning about both subjects, and has added the skills she acquired to her creative toolbox.
“Art and music have been a huge influence on my life and a great outlet for me when things are stressful,” she said.
She plans to pursue her love of art in college. In the fall, she will be attending Indiana State University in Terre Haute focusing on digital design and photography.
Kunz, the North Montgomery High School awardee, was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico and spent the majority of her childhood in Tomball, Texas. She is the second oldest of six children. She spends most of her time submerged in her studies and participating in sports events for soccer, wrestling, and pole vaulting.
“I enjoy spending time outdoors, reading, and of course drawing,” Kunz said. “Typically, I work with colored pencil, but practice with other mediums like pen, marker, watercolor, and ceramics.”
She uses techniques taught by Mrs. Hinders at North Montgomery and some self-taught techniques as she continues learning more about art. She is inspired by the beautiful nature around her as well as others around her. Kunz likes creating with colored pencil because it allows her to add more details and it reminds her of when she used to practice drawing at home or at church before she had refined her skills.
Crawfordsville High School awardee Adah Westphal has been creating art all her life. Since 2021, she has spent 15 hours a week creating art and developing new skills. She enjoys painting with oil and acrylics, especially portraits. Westphal is a member of the National Art Honor Society where she volunteers for local art related events. She is an avid reader and has been a member of the Libro Club since 2022. Academically, she has participated in the A-Team English Bowl team, the Science Bowl team, the Bridge Bust Competition at Purdue University and was the recipient of the Margaret Morgan Mahorney writing award in 2024. As a National Honor Society member, she helps raise funds for the animal shelter and works the school’s concessions. Westphal has also earned a letter in diving in 2023 and 2024, and was the top scoring female diver in 2023. She plans to attend Kenyon College to study physics and math. After earning her undergrad degree, Westphal plans to pursue a master’s degree in architecture.
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 Adult Services on the second floor of the library.
For more information about upcoming events at CDPL, visit the 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 in 2026, contact the Gallery Coordinator at 765-362-2242 for more details.
