In the Soldotna City Council Chambers on Wednesday, a new showcase of local student artwork was opened titled “Spirit of Soldotna.” Where framed photos of past councils once filled the walls, artwork by Soldotna High School students is now on display.

According to a press release from the city, the ongoing exhibition is a collaboration between Soldotna and the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District and Kenai Peninsula College intended to highlight “the creativity and talent of local students, providing them with a public platform to share their artistic expressions with the community.”

The showcase will rotate every six weeks, beginning with work by local Soldotna schools. SoHi is the first to display, but coming months will see works from Soldotna’s younger students and many of the area schools. The gallery will be open for an hour before all public meetings held at Soldotna City Hall, including meetings of the city council, planning and zoning commission, parks and recreation advisory board and others.

Soldotna Vice Mayor Lisa Parker on Wednesday said that, looking around the council chambers, she saw color and she saw ideas and talent from the community.

“To be able to share that talent with the entire community is just precious,” she said. “I see it as another one of those hidden treasures that we have here in Soldotna.”

The talent on display from local teens, she said, shows “we’re going to be in very capable hands in the future.”

During the city council meeting that evening, some members said they were excited to see the chambers livened up with local art. Among the artists showcased is Campbell Kincaid, who also serves on the council as student representative.

“I’m glad to be able to participate with my own work and see my classmates’ artwork as well,” she said.

For more information about “Spirit of Soldotna,” visit soldotna.org.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.

Artwork by Ryatt Weed and other Soldotna High School students is seen as part of the inaugural exhibition of “Spirit of Soldotna: Showcasing Student Art” in Soldotna City Hall in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Artwork by Anastasia Clyde is seen as part of the inaugural exhibition of “Spirit of Soldotna: Showcasing Student Art” in Soldotna City Hall in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Artwork by Campbell Kincaid, Chloe Jacko and Kylee St. Louis-Bush is seen as part of the inaugural exhibition of “Spirit of Soldotna: Showcasing Student Art” in Soldotna City Hall in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)