More than 70 pieces make up the contest, which has been going on for 10 years and is led by Art Teacher Shawna Turnbull.
“There are sculptures, paintings, and drawings, and students from kindergarten through eighth grade are all represented,” Turnbull said. “Staff and parents are welcome to participate and cast ballots as well.”
The display will be up for two weeks, and students will walk through with their homeroom classes to vote for their top three picks. All the votes will be tallied, and the top 10 places will be announced. An award for best piece in each grade will also be given.
“Anime has been very big the last few years, it’s always a very unique variety each year. Once it’s all set up it all goes very smoothly. A lot of large sculpture pieces do very well each year. We encourage families to work together on projects, it helps everyone get involved in this fun activity.”
Entry into the competition costs $10, and the winner receives $300, $200 for second, and $150 for third place. The rest of the top 10 receive gift cards for smaller amounts.
“Kids vote for what they like, so I don’t think I’ve ever had an adult finish in the top three,” she said. “Usually what the kids like is things they relate to, and the bigger pieces always do well.”
Great work encouraging creative arts, Walker!
Check out a school near you!
About Walker Charter Academy
Walker Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Walker, Mich., serving students in Young 5s through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes 99 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
Visit Walker Charter Academy's blog to read more stories like this.