Parents, grandparents and guests browsed the halls of Newton County Middle/High School last Tuesday at the school’s annual open house, which featured works of art students had created throughout the year.
Sherry Akins, who teaches art at NCHS, said the annual art show gives students a place to showcase their work, compete for prizes and get recognition for their hard work.
“We try to go into a lot of different areas,” she said. “I don’t want to stick with one type of art.”
Among the pieces displayed on the walls, Akins said, was work with graphite pencils, water colors, pastels and several other mediums from 7 – 12 grade students. With so many pieces, she said, it took the judge over four hours to review them all and make a decision.
“He looked around and said, ‘What was your favorite,’” she said. “I said, ‘Do you need something to hate?’”
In all seriousness, Akins said, the judge did a very thorough job reviewing the work and making a fair decision.
However, the school’s art show was not the only way for students to be recognized. Since August, Akins said students have competed in the Women’s Progressive Club art competition, where three students were awarded ribbons, and Meridian Three Clicks.
“We won six ribbons there, and that was with all the other schools in Meridian,” she said. “They liked it because they get money back sometimes. It’s almost like a little incentive, and it keeps them on their toes.”
Akins said she was very proud of the work her students had made, and she was grateful for the art show giving parents and family members a chance to see the children’s work, too.
