Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
L-R: Tailynn Logan, Kaydence Mosley, Katelyn Cauffman, Kat Mayo and Oran Green are all dressed up and ready for the awards ceremony at the Wyoming High School Art Symposium last month.
Worland High School student Kaydence Mosley poses with her relief sculpture that received a First Lady's Award at the Wyoming High School Art Symposium.
This year marked the 56th annual Wyoming State High School Art Symposium, held in April at the Ford Events Center in Casper. The Symposium is sponsored by the Wyoming Secondary Art Educators (WSAE) and is the culminating state event for student artists, much like any other state event. It is fully sanctioned by the Wyoming High School Activities Association (WHSAA). This year, 4,721 pieces of high school student artwork from schools all over the state were exhibited and competed for a number of awards, with no regard to school size (such as 3A or 2A school classifications, for example).
Approximately 1500 students, 75 high school art educators, and several college and art institute representatives participate in this event.
The top 25% of all entries are awarded blue ribbons by teachers who are members of WSAE.
Of Worland students Oran Green earned six ribbons, Justice Nelson earned three ribbons, Kay Mayo two and Alayna Study, Ava Miller and Kaydence Mosely, each earned one ribbon.
Outside judges who are professionals in the art world select pieces for the 3-D Artistic Discovery Awards with 25 pieces out of all of the symposium 3-D entries are selected for the 3-D Congressional Awards. This year, WHS student Ava Miller received this honor for her ceramic sculpture titled "Egyptian Jar: Anubis Inspired."
A tradition started with Wyoming first lady Carol Mead many years ago has led to the development of the First Lady's Awards. The first lady of Wyoming comes to the Symposium to personally select 25-50 pieces to exhibit in the Wyoming Governor's Mansion for a year, with a reception for winning artists in the summer. This year Mosley's relief sculpture titled "Strawberry Fields Forever" has been selected for this honor. The work has already been taken to the mansion.
Viewing of this high school art exhibit, the largest of its kind in the United States, was open to the general public for free. High school art students participated in numerous organized art competitions and activities, demonstrations, workshops and presentations.
WHS art students will also be showcased in the Washakie Museum All-School Art Show that opens next Thursday, March 9, with a reception from 5-7 p.m.
