NWR Art Show Awards!

Winners Announced for NWRHS Art & Community Studio

The Art and Community Studio Classes of Northwest Rankin High School held it's 2nd annual artist's reception at the G. Chastaine Flynt Memorial Library on April 11th.

The theme, "Mississippi Landscapes," was inspired by Albert Smathers of Mississippi College and Mrs. Teresa Aikens of Northwest Rankin High School. They have worked together for the last 8 years. Smathers, a professional artist with over 30 years experience, visited the high school earlier this year to demonstrate his renowned techniques. His visit was so exhilarating for the students, Arts and Community Studio instructor Teresa Aikens, encouraged the students to take photographs of their favorite Mississippi locals and turn them into stunning works of art.

"This exhibit is part of the focus of the Art and Community Studio Classes," Aikens said. "The students work hard to make their art a visible part of the community." She added that in addition to the annual library exhibit of student paintings, the class also partners with community businesses and organizations to create artwork for permanent installations.

Mrs. Aikens with her winning students (R to L): 
 3rd Place winner Kanch Brooks
1st Place winner Estefania Armendariz
2nd Place winner Quinn Gordon 

"This year, so many of our patrons engaged with the paintings, choosing their favorite and casting a vote," Ashley Biggs, Branch Manager of the G. Chastaine Flynt Memorial Library said. "The students, parents, school faculty, and library patrons had a wonderful time mingling at the reception and awards ceremony. It will be exciting to see those patrons who voted come back to see which pieces were be selected."

As part of the exhibit, which was installed on March 1st, library patrons were encouraged to vote for their favorite pieces. Nearly 100 votes were cast. Paintings will hang until April 30th. 

   

The library looks forward to hosting more paintings in the coming years!