Young artists at Thomas County Central High School recently had an opportunity to interpret the importance of ecological preservation through visual format.

Five art students won or placed in the inaugural One Book Thomas County art contest. The contest was open to local students in grades second through 12^th.

Freshman Miriam Van Veen won the grand prize or Best Overall in Show, and $75 while senior Loren Osgatharp won first place and $25 in the 11^th/12^th division. Senior Maria Davis earned second place in the 11^th/12^th grade division and freshman Hanna Whittle received third place in the 9^th/10^th grade division. Freshman Chelsea Weaver earned an honorable mention in the 9^th/10^th grade division.

"We are very proud of the artworks our TCCHS students created for the show,” teacher Jocelyn Rivard said.

The contest’s theme, based on content found in the One Book selection “Ecology of a Cracker Childhood” by Janisse May, was “Saving the Longleaf Pine Habitat: Flora and Fauna.” Rivard wanted her students to participate because the contest “provided an avenue for awareness of the longleaf pine deforestation problem.”

“Students became aware of the many creatures and plants that work together in such an ecosystem, many of which are on the endangered list,” she said. “All the students were attentive to researching only the wildlife of the longleaf pine forest provided in the Janisse May book and then inventing interesting compositions from that. The viewpoints and media for each student had a unique solution; the entries didn't look like ‘create the same artwork’ assignment.”

Miriam Van Veen’s grand prize winning piece depicts the Florida black bear, chosen because one of her favorite childhood stuffed animals was a black bear, in its habitat through ink, watercolors and acrylic paint.

At first, Van Veen was “extremely frustrated” with her entry because the watercolors bled through the paper. However, Van Veen refused to give up and said she redid her piece in one night using thick, watercolor paper.

“I’m pleased with winning top prize,” she said. “I've always liked art, but winning means I have more potential than I thought. A lesson to take from this is to not give up, no matter what.” 

Senior Loren Osgatharp was surprised she won first place in her division.

“Many of the other entries were amazing…,” she said.

Osgatharp, who loves nature and supports preservation efforts, used her piece to show “the reason to save the longleaf pine.” She used crayons, markers, sharpies, and watercolors to create her artwork.

“Without the tree, different animals, bugs and plants are left homeless, so I decided to show different animals and bugs that make the longleaf pine their home,” she said.

Maria Davis placed second in the 11^th/12^th grade division. Davis is proud of her piece and said, though she was short on time, she put forward her best effort. Her piece was created using watercolors and sharpie.

“I chose to have a forest of longleaf pine trees with some of the wildlife you would see near these trees,” she said. “I colored the picture in watercolor and added detail with a fine [point] sharpie. All the animals in my piece were researched.”

Chelsea Weaver received an honorable mention in the 9^th/10^th grade division. She participated in the contest because she loves wildlife.

“I love animals and I feel like it would lighten people’s spirits when they see it,” Weaver said of her entry.

Hanna Whittle won third place in the 9^th/10^th division.

“I feel very honored to have my art in the public library where everyone can see it because I’ve never had anything on display before,” she said.

The young artist supports preservation efforts.

“Any chance we get to promote the preservation of our world should never go to waste,” she said. “And, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.”

Weaver encouraged other student artists to participate in contests like this one because “it brings out your potential,” inspires others, and provides scholarship opportunities. She also encourages the public to see the exhibit.

“I feel like people would be amazed by the wonderful art, not only mine but everybody who gave it their all…,” Weaver said.

Davis said participating in competitions are great experiences whether the person wins or not because “so many people got to see your creation.” She is “overjoyed” to be included in the public exhibit.

“My art is not just for me but for everyone to enjoy,” Davis said.

Whittle said participation in contests like this one are great to put on college applications and winning makes “you feel great.”

“To any aspiring artists, never give up,” she said. “There’s a starting place for everyone.”