On Saturday I attended a presentation in Owatonna by Dr. Deborah Savage. Dr. Savage was asked how to connect with today’s young people. The speaker suggested that we start by asking, “Are you happy?”

The following day, I took in the student art exhibit at the Owatonna Arts Center. I think you can tell a lot about a person’s frame of mind by the artwork they produce. So take a look at some of the students’ art work and try to decide whether or not the students who created these works are happy. Better yet, go to the Owatonna Art Center and check out the artwork yourself.

Midnight Thoughts by Kayla Klinkenberg, student at Owatonna High School.

 

Child by Tea Boerner, student at Owatonna High School.

 

Hands of the Ocean by Kaelyn Peters, student at Owatonna High School.

 

More Than a Struggle by Kaitlyn Strusz, student at Owatonna High School.

 

Kobe Bryant, by Caedon McCartney, student at Owatonna High School.

 

Downward by Alissa Jensen, student at Owatonna High School.

 

The Space Between the Sun, Earth and Moon by Kaia Elstad, student at Owatonna High School.

 

Untitled by Patrick Donlon, student at Owatonna High School.

 

Unprecedented by Genevieve Phillips, student at Owatonna High School.

What this exhibition made me aware of was that there is a lot of artistic talent at the Owatonna High School. It seems to me the students are not the happiest in the world but at least they have art as an outlet to express themselves. I have would love to sit down and talk with them about my faith, the source of my happiness.