Friends University will host the 2017 Art Challenge Friday, March 3. Approximately 475 students from 17 Kansas public and private high schools will compete in both competitive exhibitions and hands-on challenges. This is Friends University’s 13th year to host Art Challenge.
Students will receive prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in a variety of exhibition categories including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, ceramics, printmaking, mixed media, digital art/illustration, package design, logo design and bookmaking.
The challenges are hands-on competitions that take place throughout the morning of the event. Challenge categories include wire sculpture, cardboard sculpture, quick draw, theme mural and drawn logo design. New this year is video challenge. Students will submit two- to three-minute videos and will be judged on originality and creativity. Students also have the opportunity to compete in 3-by-3 throwing challenge, where participants are given three minutes and three pounds of clay to create a wheel piece.
Lauren Fitzgerald, a local artist and a 2007 graduate of Friends University with a bachelor’s degree in art, will give a presentation to students – “Creating Artwork with Paper.” Tara Hufford Walker, a 1979 graduate of Wichita State University with a degree in art education, will give a drawing and painting demonstration. Walker has worked at Marshall Middle School and North High School. She has received the Teacher of the Year award and has been recognized by the City of Wichita.
Judges for the event include Charlotte Martin, Dustin Parker, Jenny Venn and Jonathan Wood.
“Art Challenge provides a fun and competitive atmosphere for high school students and their teachers,” said Karen Scroggins, assistant professor of graphic arts and director of the visual arts program. “It also helps foster connections between our faculty and high school students that visit our campus. Each year, we are excited to host these gifted student artists.”
More information about Art Challenge can be found here.
Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.