Idabel, OK (April 25, 2017)—The exhibit is part of the Museum’s biennial art competition, Expressions of Youth. The event is cosponsored by the McCurtain County Art Club, a local organization dedicated to supporting the arts in the area. This year, the Museum received a wide range of submissions, including numerous sculptures, a rug, several mixed media pieces, and over three dozen paintings and drawings. The subject matter was equally varied. Some artists were inspired by native American culture. Others based their work on landscapes, animals, and pop culture.
Submissions were divided into four categories based on the artist’s age and the media used. Additionally, “Best of Show” was awarded in each age group. Dr. Gleny Beach, a Professor of Art at Southeastern Oklahoma State University was this year’s judge. Winners are as follows:
Best of Show (Ages 11 to 15)
- Mackenzie Cook (Untitled)
2D art (ages 11 to 15)
- 1st Place: Macy Elliot (Blue Mountain)
- 2nd Place: Leah Billingsley (Trail to Paradise)
- 3rd Place: Breece Berryhill (Giraffe)
- Honorable Mention: Samantha Stephens (Owl);
- Audrey Rocha (Courageous Lion); Riley McBrayer (White Forest)
3D art (ages 11 to 15)
- 1st Place: Sloan Hickerson (Rotten)
- 2nd Place: Destini Webb (Cross)
- 3rd Place: Rustin Hoover (Bee Hive)
Best of Show (Ages 16 to 19)
- Tammy Dong (Chicken)
2D art (ages 16 to 19)
- 1st Place: Phimaria Smith (Final Days)
- 2nd Place: Connor Goss (Pearl Harbor Attack)
- 3rd Place: Tammy Dong (Into the Woods).
3D art (ages 16 to 19)
- 1st Place: Sofia Bohanan (Rose)
- 2nd Place: Santana Jamerson (Royal Kiss?)
- 3rd Place: Chyenne Shomo (Native Lanyard)
- Honorable Mention: Payton Amend (Reproduction of Choctaw Basket)
Winners will be acknowledged at the Awards Ceremony and Reception on May 7th at 1:00 pm in the Mary H. Herron Community Conference Center. The public is invited to attend.
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