Young artists in a big art show
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Wendy Wilson
The smiles of first place youth category winner Anna Webb and Timber Trail Elementary art teacher Wendy Wilson show the excitement and enthusiasm of the Front Range National Arts Program.
Showcasing artwork is important to young artists. Art brings people together and builds communities. This is why Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) art teacher Wendy Wilson encourages her students to participate in the Front Range National Arts Program (NAP). Wilson feels this is a great opportunity for her students to be part of a non-juried art exhibit where their artwork is displayed alongside other adult and professional pieces.
The NAP is designed to give artists at all skill levels the opportunity to exhibit their work in a professional manner and compete for prizes. The NAP is not associated with the Douglas County School District but is open to anyone who lives in the greater Castle Rock area. All artists interested in showcasing their work, regardless of age, background or skill set are welcome. This was a great opportunity for students to showcase their artwork within the Douglas County community without being affiliated with the school district.
This is no illusion; third grade student Logan Hieber happily took home third place for his “Optical Illusion” piece.
Participants submitted art pieces of oil and acrylic paintings, black and white photography, sculpture, mixed media, crafts of ceramics, glass and jewelry as well as works on paper, drawn with pencil, ink, watercolor and charcoal. The exhibit was judged by professional artists and visual art professionals in amateur, intermediate, professional and youth classifications. Fifth grade student Anna Webb won first place in the youth category. She received $150 for “The Wired Fish.” Third grade student Logan Hieber won third place in the youth category, receiving $50 for his “Optical Illusion.”
Webb shared both her talent and passion at the show. She said she didn’t know the show would create a memory of a lifetime and expressed her thanks for a wonderful art teacher like Wilson for encouraging her, not only to enter her art, but also for being there to support her during the award ceremony. Webb said she feels that everyone is an artist and every kid should have a chance to share their talent.
