High School Student's Artwork Recognized by the Ohio Arts Council

Middletown High School student Francisco Santana-Matos was selected by the Ohio Arts Council to be featured in the Ohio House of Representatives High School Student Art Exhibition. Francisco is the first student from Middletown High School to be featured in this exhibit.

A partnership between the Ohio Arts Council, the Ohio Art Education Association, and the Ohio House of Representatives, the exhibition features exemplary visual art created by high school students from each of Ohio’s 99 districts of the House of Representatives. Francisco's artwork, "Peace", represents House District 46. 

The exhibition, located in the hallway connecting the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts and the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, celebrates and highlights the artistic achievements of high school students across the state and provides them the opportunity to showcase their artistic skills.

Francisco's artwork was installed over the summer and will remain on display through June 2026. After being selected, Francisco will also receive a certificate and a monetary award. Francisco says "Peace" was inspired by his art teacher Trish Keen.