VALDOSTA — The halls of Lowndes High School came alive with creativity on Thursday as the school hosted its annual Spring Art Competition, showcasing more than 100 student works across a wide variety of media. 

The show offered a snapshot of the artistic voices emerging within Lowndes High School, from clay sculptures and graphite drawings to vivid acrylic paintings and innovative mixed media pieces.

Lowndes High School art teacher and event coordinator Daisy Taylor believes art plays a more vital role in students’ lives than many realize.

“Every student needs a place to keep them motivated to go to school and to feel like they belong,” Taylor said. “Art can provide that for students. It teaches resiliency and risk-taking—two things I think a lot of people need to be practicing right now.”

Open to all students, regardless of whether they are currently enrolled in art classes, the competition encouraged participants to submit pieces created both in and out of the classroom. In addition to celebrating individual achievements, the competition was a reflection of a busy and successful year for the LHS art program. 

Students have participated in numerous field trips, including tours of the Valdosta State University Art Department and the High Museum of Atlanta. Students also explored the real-world applications of art through visits to local businesses and institutions.

This year’s event was judged by a panel that included professors from Valdosta State University, bringing an outside perspective and professional eye to the student work. The judges used a comprehensive rubric that evaluated pieces based on creativity, originality, composition, use of color and space, technical skill, and overall craftsmanship. 

The event culminated in the awards ceremony, which honored students for their excellent pieces. Daniela Viveros received the Best in Show award for her graphite piece titled The Presence of Their Absence, which judges praised for its excellent composition, strong use of value, and meaningful message.

In the drawing and painting category, first place went to Roberto Simon-Hernandez for his emotional oil pastel piece Burdened. Poppy Blanton-Atkins earned second place for her colored pencil work, The Eastern Bluebird, and Emme Shiver placed third with her acrylic painting Scoops of Joy. 

In the ceramic category, Chayna Figueroa took first place with Tea with Him. Maelani Zambelli followed in second place with Garbage Man Raccoon, while Kiara Perez Garcia earned third for her dynamic creation Magical Fairy House. Numerous other students received honorable mentions for their submissions, which ranged from photography to paper-mache art.