By Hilal Dizdar 

Southeast Alamance students were recognized in the 68th Annual Visual Arts Competition for Young People. The event brought together student artists from across Alamance County and gave them a chance to share their creativity and hard work.

One of the artists was Ava Garner, who won two first-place awards. She earned 1st Place in Oil Painting for Potential and 1st Place in Digital Artwork for Evolving Fear. 

Ava explained that both of her pieces were inspired by the differences between childhood and adulthood. She said, “Potential represents the decline of creativity and passion as you age. Evolving Fear represents the change in fear as you age, from imaginary to material.” Her work stood out not only because of its visual quality, but also because of the meaning behind it.

When Ava found out that she had won two first-place awards, she was enthusiastic, not only for herself, but her fellow artists. Garner said, “I was very excited to hear that I had won two first place awards. I was also very proud and excited for my friends who had won as well." She also shared that one of the hardest parts of creating her pieces was time management and trying to paint realistically.

Ava encourages other students to take part in competitions like this one. She said, “I would advise other students to take advantage of all competition opportunities. This one in particular opened up scholarship opportunities, and they are a great way to connect with other competitors and advance your skills.”

Art teacher Windy Lampson also shared why she thinks the winning pieces were successful. She said, “I think our winning artworks stood out for the technical excellence our students exhibit in media, drawing, and composition. They are also strong conceptual artists who think through their ideas carefully and articulate them in creative ways.”

Lampson also said she is very proud of her students. She pointed out that students today deal with many digital distractions, such as social media and video games, so it is especially meaningful that these students spend so much time practicing their art and improving their skills.

Overall, this competition was an important achievement for student artists and a proud moment for all involved. The success of our artists showed the creativity, effort and dedication.