Art in the Dark exhibit shines spotlight on students’ works

Artwork created by Elena Campos, Tessa Schedler, Caden Thacker and Kace Ebright was judged Best in Show at the annual Art in the Dark exhibit held March 4 at Greybull High School.

Art instructor Teresa Boyer, who organized the event, said approximately 300 people attended.

It began with an assignment.  Boyer challenged her students to create an original, illuminated artwork that develops their creativity, construction skill, use of context, and composition.  

While doing so, they were to keep in mind the evaluation criteria: 1) originality; 2) adherence to the “Nightmares and Dreams” theme; 3) a well-planned and thought-out design; 4) one that clearly communicates the idea visually; 5) solid construction, making it portable and easy to set up; and 6) explanation of the use of elements and principles of art and design and how their understanding of them enhanced their piece.

Boyer said she was proud of what her students produced.  Her biggest surprise was that “some students worked at home and collaborated with others which is always a genuine surprise. One of the award winners waited until the day before to create their piece which ended up being a crowd favorite!”

The show featured 75 exhibits in all that were created by GHS and GMS students.

The Best of Show recipients described their entries this way:

Elena Campos, on #17 Neurotropic Caine Carousel: “Rabies is truly a nightmare. It can take up to a year to show symptoms, making many victims appear fine. By the time symptoms do appear, it’s already too late. Rabies is fatal. Any chance of saving the pet you love is over.”

Tessa Schedler, on #42 In the Blink of an Eye which also won the People’s Choice Award: “Dreams can change so suddenly and can affect our emotions greatly. They can be intense and unpredictable, flashing through feelings in a matter of seconds. One moment you are on top of the world happy, the next it can all come crashing down.”

Caden Thacker and Kace Ebright, on #12 Two Doors:  “When you are given a choice of two doors, many are quick to judge. If it were life and death, you’d have to act fast. But, what if things were not what they seemed? Two doors, two polar opposites, what will you choose? The dreamy one? Or the Nightmare one? Don’t be too quick to judge. You might regret it.”

The exhibits that were awarded honorable mention included: #2 The World is Ending, by Garrett Dalin and Leon Bankhead-Danner; #8 Isolation, by Koda Blair; #15, He is Here, by Carlee Wensky; #50, Falling Man, by Marshall Brown; #55, Dreams in the Wind, by Mya Oatman, and #25 Prisoner of War, by Carter Peasley