CHS Steals the Show

By Miranda Gregis, Contributing Writer

Centralia High School art students competed in the Clarence Canon Conference (CCC) on Wednesday, April 13th. CHS had seven students submit artwork to the art show.

CCC had 14 different categories students could submit artwork in. First place, second place, third place and honorable mention awards were given for each. CHS students were encouraged to submit their artwork but ultimately got to decide if they wanted to or not. 

CHS Students who placed at the conference were: Matilda Fox (Fr), received first in the color pencil category for her “Lime” color pencil drawing, Breanna Sexton (Sr), received second in the mixed media category for her “It was a Mistake” piece, Cady Finlay (Jr), received second in the color pencil category for her “Rainbow Mountains” drawing, Mea Auck (Jr), received an honorable mention for her “Colors of the Sea” color pencil drawing and Hannah Danielson (Sr), received an honorable mention for her “Enchanted Garden” mixed media piece.

Fox decided to submit her “Lime” drawing because it is one of her most detailed drawings that took the longest to finish. “I wanted to make something that would be a little bit of a challenge. Limes are a difficult thing to draw considering the reflection and the see-through material. I guess you could say that the meaning behind this piece is to push your limits as an artist,” Fox said.

“Lime” took Fox around 12 hours to finish and she is very excited that it placed first. There were many amazing art pieces her drawing competed against and Fox states she is glad her hard work paid off. 

Miss Alexis Willingham, CHS art teacher, attended the conference on behalf of the students. “I was very happy and excited to see our students placed. This was my first competitive art show with other schools as an art teacher. I am very proud of all our students that participated and wanted to showcase their work!” Willingham said. 

This is Willingham's second year in the Centralia School District. She expressed that her favorite part of teaching this year has been watching her students grow, artistically and as people. 

“I hope students learn perseverance and determination to see something all the way through. Whether they are working to accomplish creating an art project, break a school sports record, play an instrument, get a new job, or anything else, I hope they will persevere to see it through to the end,” Willingham said.