MCHS Hosts The Big 8 Art Show
Bright color, bold lines and one-of-a-kind designs filled the McDonald County High School gym over the weekend as the county hosted the Big 8 Middle School Art Show. Artwork from more than 1,000 students in the Big 8 district was displayed, with a variety of interesting media across more than 40 categories. Big 8 schools include Monett, Cassville, Lamar, Mount Vernon, Aurora, Seneca and McDonald County.
McDonald County has six middle-school art teachers spread throughout the county. These teachers got together earlier this month to review this year’s artwork from sixth- to eighthgrade students. They then selected five submissions to be entered into each applicable category — from digital photography to recycled art.
It was no easy task.
“It was challenging narrowing down dozens of submissions from each school to only five per category,” said White Rock art teacher and event organizer Holly Huber. “There were so many good pieces!”
McDonald County High School’s gym was packed with repurposed items and re-imagined concepts on Saturday. A paper-mache dragon the size of an adult hung suspended in the air by the doors as guests came and went. Melted crayons created a spectrum of color across canvasses on the wall. A clay box, delicately crafted to resemble a pineapple, drew eyes from across the room. Guests were drawn in every direction as new art caught their attention.
It was easy to forget the artists responsible for these works aren’t even of age to drive a vehicle, yet they are able to captivate entire rooms with their skill.
Art was placed on display Thursday morning, and recognition was given that afternoon. Works were judged by five volunteers from the community, of differing backgrounds. On Friday morning, artists involved in the show were granted a sneak peak at the results.
“The district was kind enough to allow the art teachers to bus students in on Friday to see their art,” said Huber. “Me and the other teachers were tearing up as the kids poured in. It was so rewarding to see them get excited about their ribbons and take pictures in front of their projects.”