By Lauren Funk

The scholastic art awards began in 1923. Past winners include Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, and Joyce Carol Oates. Since then, the scholastic art awards have taken place every year. Art teachers are allowed to submit students’ work from grades seven through twelve that they think are truly exceptional. The works are judged by experts in visual and literal art fields. When looking at the submissions, the characteristics that are taken into consideration are originality, technical skills, and evidence of the student’s personal voice. These awards allow students the opportunity to earn scholarships and have their art exhibited.

Once the art is judged they are given different awards. The Honorable Mention award is for art pieces that demonstrate potential. The Silver Key is the next level of honor. Finally, the Gold Key is award to pieces that demonstrate the highest level of achievement. Five pieces are selected from those that won the Gold Key as the “Best of Show,” however all Gold Key winners are considered for national-level recognition. Those that move on to the next level can be awarded with an American Visions Medal, Silver Medal or Gold Medal. The medallists are celebrated in a ceremony at Carnegie Hall and will have their art showcased in galleries in New York City.

At our Connecticut Regional show this year there was an amazing display of creativity. There was a sculpture of a dancer made solely out of old pointe shoes. A sculpture made of spoons, a dress made out of straws and an elephant sculpture made of twigs made it to the show. There was a painted toilet seat with Richard Nixon’s face painted on it and an amazing photograph of eggs and the shadow of a whisk. Some of the mediums of the artwork at the show include photography, watercolor, acrylics, marker, ceramics, charcoal, fashion, and metal work.

Here in Connecticut, the regional awards exhibit took place at the University of Hartford. Out of the 1,500 entries, 655 were selected. 267 students won Honorable Mention, 157 won Silver Keys, and 267 won Gold Keys. One of our own, Rachel Chiappa won a Gold Key for her painting entitled “Enlightenment.” We will be watching out to see if her piece makes it to the national level. Alyssa Rhodes won a Silver Key along with Alexandra Novitski, Sarah Zahran, and Emily Bousaada. Nate Zabarsky, Sarah Woytach and Peter Cimmino all won honorable mentions. These people are a great representation of the plethora of talent at Pomperaug.