The artwork accepted into the Georgia Art Education Association’s All-State Art Symposium by Clarke Central High School seniors Avery Ray (left) and Clare Wislar (middle and right) is pictured together in a collage. Ray was surprised to hear their artwork was accepted, but was glad nonetheless. “I was glad ‘cause I think a lot of times I miss out of certain opportunities because I don’t pay enough attention,” Ray said. Collage by Owen Donnelly
On Jan. 22, National Art Honors Society students Avery Ray and Clare Wislar both had artwork accepted into the Georgia Art Education Association’s All State Art Symposium, hosted by Columbus State University.
The Georgia Art Education Association’s All-State Art Symposium is a competitive art competition that receives over one thousand submissions and accepts only about 140 pieces. On Jan. 22, Clarke Central High School seniors Clare Wislar and Avery Ray both had art admitted into the symposium.
Their art was submitted for the first time ever by fine arts department teacher Jessica Shelden, who selected their pieces in an attempt to diversify Wislar and Ray’s portfolios.
“We tried to focus on the upperclassman because it looks really good in portfolios, ” Shelden said. “(Wislar) and (Ray) are both very active and have a very large and diverse portfolio and so it made sense that they submitted work.”
Ray had forgotten about their submission into the competition, but was happy to learn of their acceptance. They appreciated that art department teacher Amanda Price encouraged them to submit their art.
“I kind of forgot about it after Ms. Price mentioned it, but she really wanted to get it in under the deadline so I’m glad now that she encouraged me to send it to her cause otherwise I probably wouldn’t have participated, ” Ray said. “I can say I have a certain level of credibility I guess and it gives me some confidence going out.”
Wislar was also happy to have her art accepted, and is excited to attend an art workshop on March 1 for the accepted students.
“It felt great ‘cause I didn’t really know that my work was entered. I knew that she wanted my portfolios for a couple things,” Wislar said. “It was not something that was on my mind at all and I got the email and I was really excited because I forgot about it and I’m super pumped I get to go to this workshop.”
Shelden was glad to hear the news, and is eager to show off the artistic talent of her students.
“It’s pretty exciting. There’s not a ton of art juried shows that are in Georgia for students,” Shelden said. “It’s really exciting that we get to have some kids show off the talent we have here at (CCHS). So it’s pretty exciting, a little pat on everyone’s back.”
