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The air is electric as crowds of people weave between vibrant artwork. The artists mingle nervously early on, but their anxiousness slowly melts away as they feel the warm acceptance radiating from their peers.
Junior Sage Ivory and senior Mariah Papenfuss participated in the Central Utah Regional Art Show, which took place from May 5-15 at Snow College. Both students used a paint medium with Papenfuss’s piece called “Rainbow Zebra” and Ivory’s piece, “Child Portrait,” taking 1st in painting and was an honorable mention overall.
“To have a high school art show is very impressive because there’s none at all in Sanpete,” Ivory said, “and it’s honestly kind of amazing that they do have it and just kind of get that opportunity to give kids that.”
The show involves seven school districts with a 7-9 grade division, and senior division of 10-12 grade. The pieces submitted for competition range from 2D to 3D and include a range of mediums: mixed media, drawing, painting, photography and digital media.
“[Art shows] definitely help kids who have improved a lot, who have a lot of talent, to feel noticed and to feel like they’re appreciated for their talent and for the hard work that they put into their art piece,” Papenfuss said.
To truly compete in an art show, there are several key components.
“It is also coming up with a good concept,” art teacher Paul Allred said, “having the skill behind it to make it work as far as an image. Then it’s that skill, time and concept [that] would be great things that I would say make a nice piece.”
Dedicating vast amounts of time to a subject shows your passion and dedication.
“I think it’s easier to do art when you’re doing something you’re passionate about,” Papenfuss said. “Whether it be to express something that you want to do or just bring to life an idea that you have. Sometimes I personally feel that’s the best way to get the art piece. And if your best work comes through competition, then okay, do some competition. Whatever works for you, you can do it.”
Ivory put around 15 hours into her award-winning piece, and looking back, genuinely enjoyed the show.
“I think [my favorite part is] seeing all the artists,” Ivory said, “because honestly it is kind of competition because for [me] starting Sterling Scholar, I’m looking around, I’m going, these people I’m probably also going to be competing with next year…”
Art draws individuals together and fosters a connection that otherwise would not exist.
“At the same time, you guys have a similar… hobby and interest, and so there’s so much connection in the room when it’s like, ‘Oh, we both like the same thing,’” Ivory said. “Which is impressive for being in Sanpete and its art.”
