South art students shine for silent auction

Adam Huening

May 15, 2008 06:41 pm

— In the art world, collectors and enthusiasts often buy the works of unknown artists in the hopes the creator or the creation will increase in value. Others purchase the works for the sheer skill shown or the emotions it evokes.
Whatever the reason, people can find plenty of works of art to move them made by the young hands of South Decatur high school art students.
Tonight, more than 100 pieces of art will be displayed and for sale at the school for the first ever Silent Art Auction. The event begins at 6 p.m. and art lovers from every corner of the county are welcomed to drop by and discover something special. According to art teacher Bryan Moore, the proceeds will go to giving more artistic opportunities to all students.
“Everyone wants to paint on canvas,” Moore explained. “That's very expensive.”
In addition to copious works of arts realized from the young minds of the county, the school’s music department will also be hosting a concert at 7:30 p.m. The auction will be open through the concert. The bidding will close at 8:30. South's art club members will be standing by to distribute the purchased pieces.
“All artwork will be paid in full and taken away that night,” says Moore.
He added the work was not made overnight by cramming students looking for a grade in art class. These pieces have been painstakingly rendered, he noted.
“The art auction is the accumulation of a years’ worth of work by dedicated, talented students. Proof of the talent lies in the number of state and national awards South’s artists win,” he said.
A number of prestigious awards accompany many of the artists. The Indiana Association of School Principals, Department of Student Programs, and Riley Hospital bestowed five of 12 awards upon South students in the annual Art for Riley contest. Among the winners were Nolan Allen; Kelsey Snyder; Matthew Gatewood; Dustin Huff and Conner Hermesch. Their work is currently on display at Riley Hospital. Also awarded was Dustin Magura, whose work will be displayed at the IASP office or used for publications.
In the 2008 Indiana Junior Duck Stamp contest, South’s students flew away with the competition. They earned a total of eight awards counting honorable mentions. Magura; Kelsey Snyder; Ashleigh Ewing; Ethan Hamilton; Jerica Meadows and Cole Lienhoop were the placed winners. Raven Moncrief and Lindsay Spillman flew away with honorable mentions.
That, however is not the end of this program’s accoaldes.
“Perhaps the true statement for the prowess of these students comes in the Annual AAA Safety Poster Program, a contest where five students were catapulted to the national level of judging,” Moore said.
Stephanie Brunni; Allen; Lienhoop; Shanda Ogle and Kaitlan King saw their works hit the national level. King drove away with a second place and $200, and Allen came away with an honorable mention.
“I’m very proud of all my students’ efforts,” said Moore. “It’s a privilege to have such fine students that care so much about their art.”
Whether it’s honoring a student’s achievements, looking for the next Picasso or searching for that one piece that stirs something in the soul, Moore is certain people will find it tonight.

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