By Mary Heinrich
Staff Writer
The Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library was bursting at the seams on March 24 for the annual Harrison County Youth Art Month Art Exhibit reception. A large crowd gathered on the second floor to appreciate the display of well-honed talent, which included art pieces from middle and high school students throughout the county.
The art pieces, chosen by the school art teachers, included multiple genres of visual art. The skill and talent on display in the room was breathtaking.
Only pieces from high school students were judged. The winners are as follows:
9th/10th Grade Division
Honorable Mention: Kora Fowler- “Shy”-Robert C. Byrd
3rd Place: Josh Rose- “Calming Red”-RCB
2nd Place: Lillian Lewis- “After Bernini”-RCB
1st Place: Taylor Arnett- “Levitation”-RCB
11th/12th Grade Division
Honorable Mention: Makayla Marple- “Purple Rain”-Liberty
3rd Place: Dayla Murphy- “Tropical Storm”- RCB (tie)
3rd Place: Izzy Simmons- “Misfit” – RCB (tie)
2nd Place: Samantha Beall- “Spring Smiles”- RCB
1st Place: Gracie Nardella- “Daised”- Notre Dame
The last group of awards were the Advanced Placement awards. Advanced Placement art is a relatively new program in Harrison County Schools. Their awards are as follows:
Honorable Mention: Jadeah Lownsbery- “Turn the Page”-RCB
3rd Place: Tighe Coleman- “Warrior”- BHS
2nd Place: Morgan Sprouse- “Stanford Experiment”- BHS
1st Place: Dylan Guthrie- “Boy with Buttons”- BHS
Judge’s Choice/Best in Show: Bryce Johnson- “Red Square”- RCB
In addition to the phenomenal display of visual arts, Lincoln High School senior, Olivia Spino, was on hand to entertain family and friends to give everyone plenty of time to examine all the art. An anti-bullying advocate, she began her performance by reminding everyone that there are good ways to handle bullies and that only you can stop them. She followed her message by broadcasting the YouTube video of her previously released song “Love Me.”
She finished her performance with a rousing version of Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary.” This song did create a very noticeable generational divide in the room. Many of the adults in the room enjoyed the song, clapping and even singing along. The students, on the other hand, seemed a bit confused.
Middle and high school art teachers were also recognized for all they do to enhance students’ natural talent and to inspire love of art in their students. The teachers were applauded by everyone in the room. Katherine Crim, representing the Cultural Foundation of Harrison County, provided each of the teachers with a portfolio for carrying their art pieces back and forth as a thank you.
