Artwork copyright Nekoda Witsken. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2023.

Artwork copyright Nekoda Witsken. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2023.

Artwork copyright Nekoda Witsken. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2023.

Artwork copyright Nekoda Witsken. The artist Koda Witsken with her artwork and Challenger High School's principal. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2023.

Artwork copyright Nekoda Witsken. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2023.

We Are Challenger: So Much Love, 2023

Nekoda Witsken
(American, born 1992)

Location: Challenger High School, Spanaway

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

We Are Challenger: So Much Love by Nekoda Witsken is one of two paintings that reflect students' vibrant selves and futures at Challenger High School (CHS). Witsken created these two paintings in response to students' request to have people with their style, hopes, dreams, and stories celebrated at a large scale and in bright colors.

Students and staff engaged with Witsken in the design process by submitting and voting on inspirational photos and artworks of and by students they felt best showcased the school's values and the "Challenger experience." Witsken used the top-voted images as inspiration for these two spray-painted artworks. Each painting also includes some text. "So Much Love" is a celebration of the CHS values of positivity, creativity, and community.

Witsken installed the painted panels onsite at Challenger High School. She engaged with students and staff to explain how and why the installation process works. Witsken also hosted drop-in hours to support art students in their college and career applications, as well as a workshop debunking the myths surrounding becoming a professional artist.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Bethel School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Koda Witsken is a studio, digital, and public artist. She has a passion for color and a vibrant palette that she uses to create large-scale murals and art installations. Her artworks are based on community outreach and spread love for all types of art.

Witsken was born and raised in Indiana. She studied art and business Purdue University, art at Duke University, and digital design at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). She, her husband, and their two dogs, Potato and Cupcake, split their time between Indianapolis and Brooklyn. Koda's personal motto is “best energies and bright colors.”