Colorful Competition

  • Published
  • By Airman Torri Ingalsbe
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  How can a piece of paper, pencil and small scraps of paper be exciting? 

For Alicia Clark and Kara Witcher, two Feltwell Elementary School students, these materials could mean national recognition for their artistic abilities. 

Both girls submitted artwork in a national art competition sponsored by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Their artwork won at both local and regional levels and is now on review at the national level. 

Kara submitted a drawing in the multicolored drawing category and both girls submitted mosaic self-portraits in the collage category. 

"I just looked in the mirror and drew my face on the paper," said 10-year-old Alicia. "Then I tore pieces of different colored paper and glued them on the face I drew. I used shiny paper for the highlights in my hair." 

Alicia said she loves her art class and is always so excited to go and learn something new. She said her art teacher makes it fun and always encourages her to do her best.
Kara, 10, submitted a colored pencil drawing of flowers in a vase along with her mosaic self-portrait. 

"I looked around my house and saw the flowers, so I started to draw them," Kara said. "I used darker colors for the shadows and then I used pastels for the flowers."
Out of all the special classes offered at school, Kara said she likes art the best. She said doing art projects make her feel good and she's always looking forward to what they'll be doing in the next class. 

The girls' art teacher, Karen Griffis, said she was equally excited at the prospect of two of her students winning the national art competition. 

"It was such a thrill to hear that Alicia and Kara's artwork has made it so far in the competition," Ms. Griffis said. "I can see why they both did so well because the portraits not only look like them, you can also see how much work was put into each project. 

"This competition allows students to feel like they're part of the states and to be able to celebrate and share their talents with others. 

"The special thing about art is that every child can be successful at it." Ms. Griffis continued, "I encourage my students to make pieces their own, using the techniques they've been taught." 

She said that the competition is good for students to participate in because it helps build confidence and produces results for their efforts. 

American children from all over the world submitted artwork in the following categories: monochromatic drawing, multicolored drawing, pastels, water color, oil or acrylic, print making, mixed media, collage and sculpture. The artwork selected through the national competition is displayed at the Boys and Girls Clubs of America's annual national conference and tours the U.S. for a year. 

Alicia and Kara said they are both excited to know they've made it this far in the competition and they're crossing their fingers for the opportunity to have their art displayed at the BGCA's national art gallery.