Last week seven AHS art students traveled to Fort Hays State University for the 40th Annual High School Art Exhibition. Art teacher Clay Urbanek took 55 pieces of students art work and 14 of them received first place recognition. Students placing were: Landry Johnson, Reice Fawcett, Paige Brand, Bryson Hibbs, Emily Eck, Sadie Aylward, Clara Amos, Piper Weddington, Charlotte Trafecanty, Addison Workman, Rose Molitor and Amelia Kessler. Mr. Urbanek said that he was most impressed with the figure sculptures because they all got placed at the competition. Mr. Urbanek has been taking students on this trip for the past 28 years.

I spoke with three students whose artwork was chosen to go, and asked them a few questions. Paige Brand is a freshman and has been in an art class for two semesters. Brand brought a coil pot, slab box, castle, and a black white and grey portrait. Brand said that she learned a lot about making the clay pieces because they are very challenging and take a lot of time and effort. One of the reasons Brand enjoys creating art so much is because it is relaxing and fun.

Next up I asked Clara Amos some questions, Clara is a freshman and has been in an art class for one semester. As for artwork Amos brought her figure sculpture, soft wire sculpture, and coil pot. Amos said she learned a lot throughout making art, and that it is time consuming and takes a lot of effort.  One thing emphasized by Amos is that she has to take her time and really focus to get it perfect. Amos says she enjoys creating art because it is fun and she enjoys working with clay because it is relaxing.

Next I asked Reice Fawcett, Reice is a freshman and has been in art for one semester and also took intro art in middle school. Reice took her black and white contrast face painting. With this painting Reice learned that shadows can affect the way your face looks so she had to be very careful when painting to make sure all the shadows were right. Reice enjoys creating art because she likes putting in all the work then being able to see the finished product come to life.

I know everyone had fun on this trip, and who knows maybe you will get chosen to go on the trip next year! Remember to enroll in an art class!