'Protector' wins People's Choice at Art in the Dark

Exhibits created by Stella Wade, Shayla Cheatham and Cannon Cook took Best of Show honors in the annual Art in the Dark show held Thursday evening in Greybull High School’s Buff Gym.

Approximately 250 people attended the socially-distanced show, which used the cafeteria as a starting point and proceeded along the north, east and south walls of the gym.  

“Fantasy and Folktales” was this year’s theme.

People’s Choice ballots were cast electronically, with top honors going to Wade’s exhibit, which she named, “Protector.” 

The artist’s description of that exhibit reads as follows: “A Chinese folktale tells of a dragon destroying a man who was cruel to everyone around him.  The dragon represents my mom as she has always had my back.

“When I was younger and got bullied, my mom was always there to protect me and help me take care of my problems and the bullies.”

Cheatham described her exhibit, “To the Other Side,” as an “escape” from “the harsh reality of our everyday lives” into “a world of magic, mythical creatures or even talking animals.”

Cook’s exhibit, “Love Everlasting,” was based on the story of “The Beauty and the Beast and reminds that love can be found in friendship, love can be fickle, love can hurt and love can ruin lives.

“If your love is everlasting, let this candle light the way, the rose resembled strength needed to thrive, but … keep an eye on the clock to remember that you don’t have forever.”

The following exhibits received honorable mention recognition:

• “Through the Eyes,” by Kaitlynn Briscoe

• “Sunflower,” by  Sarah Murph

• “What Lurks in the Dark,” by Megan Stebner

• “History with the Tribe,” by Steele Davis and Cole Wisehart

• “Poisoned Apple,” by Katie Murph

• “Giants Await,” by Carissa Fostervold.