For close to 20 years, Salem High School art students have sketched local landmarks and scenes of life in the Ozarks for the annual calendar.
“We wish to showcase the work of these students, and encouraging artists of all ages to pursue their love of drawing the landscapes and people that make up our heritage,” said Tana Kettner, art instructor at Salem High School.
Profits benefit the art program at the high school. Profits from the calendars this year will be used to purchase supplies for in-seat and virtual learning, as students need extra supplies to take home.
This year’s cover features Mike Helm, a well-known artist, volunteer and teacher who passed away Jan. 4 at the age of 61. Helm moved to Salem in the late 1990s and joined the Spring Creek Artisans and Arts Rolla. He created logos and murals for local businesses, sets for plays and taught art classes. He worked as a paraprofessional for about 12 years with the Salem R-80 school district.
A volunteer in many capacities, most notably as Santa for close to 20 years.
The calendar cover, drawn by Lara Stevens, features Helm painting a scene of himself as Santa. Sitting on Santa’s lap are Eavie and Sadie Wynn at the 2019 American Legion Auxiliary Kids’ Christmas event.
The popular calendars, printed by The Salem News, are available at The Salem News office, Salem Public Library, Salem High School and from art students.
• Cover picture and December: Lara Stevens "Dear Santa" In loving memory of the late Michael Helm, artist, teacher, volunteer.
• Inside cover/ intro page: Allison Parker-Lewis, The Former Craig's Cash N' Carry on the corner of Center St. and Pershing
• January: Nathan Pyle, Water Fork School House off of Hwy MM
• February: Alivia Faith LaJoie, My Family, The Boxx Family Homestead Off of F Hwy
• March: Rachel Sheffield, The Former Coke Plant, current location of K&H Auto Parts and Taco Bell/KFC
• April: Faith Pace, New Harmony Church, Hwy 32 East
• May: Jordan Schneider, The Dent House on MacArthur Ave.
• June: Selena Hall, Grandma's House, North Pershing, Salem
• July: Wyatt Thomas, Home on MacArthur Ave, built by the Pine family in the 1930s
• August: Kyra Oby, Ode to the late Salem High School on 10th Street. Est. 1910
• September: Macey Jarrett, McMurtney & Sons Drug Store, currently the location for the Bank of Salem on 4th Street
• October: Dylan Seabaugh, The Old Frisco Train transporting workers to job corps
• November: Ethan Wilson-Webber, Ode to the late Tower Inn, currently the location for Crossroads on the corner of Hwy 19 and Hwy 32/72
• Credit Page: Mickayla Schlicker, Front Porch Memories- my late Grandpa's house on Main St., Belle
