High Art

The snow and ice really did a number on our classes," says Haas Hall Academy's art teacher Basil Seymour-Davies with a laugh. "We only had a certain number of days to get our artwork together, and they were really limited. We didn't get as far as we wanted, but we've done really well."

Although the extreme winter weather kept Haas Hall students out of class for more than a week, the young artists and their teacher have submitted eight works for the largest student-based art competition in the area.

"The students have really produced some great pieces," Seymour-Davies says. "I've urged them to enter as much artwork as possible. It's such a valuable lesson for them."

And while only eight pieces were chosen to compete in the art show hosted by Arts Center of the Ozarks, each submitted piece is displayed in some location in the school, he says.

Displaying the artwork is a way for students to get used to critique and criticism that comes with showing art, he says.

"This is beyond creating art," says Seymour-Davies. "Showing art in competitions like this helps these kids get over any anxieties they may have. The more experience they have, the more confident they will be in their art. It's really helpful for those who chose to go to college and pursue this as a career. And for those who don't, it teaches them to not hold back."

ACO is presenting artwork from students around the Northwest Arkansas area. Next weekend, students with artwork in the competition will attend a reception formally announcing the winners of the show. The works are presented in eight categories, including drawing, transparent painting, opaque painting and three-dimensional works, with each category receiving prizes. Cash prizes will also be awarded for Best of Show and Director's Choice.

"I'm so glad to be participating again this year," says Seymour-Davies. "This competition gives the kids a chance to break out of their shell. Organizations like this give kids a chance to showcase their art and are essential at promoting the importance of art at a youth level. It presents high quality work at any level. I'm so grateful to ACO for doing this again this year.

"I'm really glad these kids have ACO around."