Art is one of the most common and diverse forms of expression. A person doesn’t just draw or paint a picture; they bare their soul, a part of themselves, for the world to see and judge. 

Seven students from Kearney High have recently experienced this at two competitions.

The first was February 22 through March 1 at Avila University. 

Juniors Ashton Hiatt, Spencer Shanks, and Ashley Ellis had their artwork selected for exhibition. Their artwork included charcoal and acrylic paintings respectively. 

Due to lack of gallery space, honorable mention was given to fellow students: Aaron Giglio and Brett Bowers, for their paintings.

“Kearney High school artwork always does well at these competitions, and we complete with much bigger schools in the Kansas City area,” art teacher Mrs. Rosemary Overstreet said.

The second contest was at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art’s 35 Annual Membership Exhibition on January 17 through March 1. 

Junior Shelby Kienzle received first place for her sculpture on Autism.

“I was very proud. It felt big for all of the work I did on it,” Kienzle said.

Similarly, senior Randi Myers placed third with her sculpture, “Cheer”.

Art instructor Mrs. Pam Haar also had two students in this competition: senior Whitney Hayward and senior Charli Barnes.

Hayward received third place for her paintings while Barnes received an honorable mention.