UHS students tops at Pitt State art day

Uniontown High School art students took home the best of show award for three-dimensional team building at the annual Pittsburg State University High School Art Day on Thursday. Pictured are: (Front row from left to right) Jessica Murrow, Emily Simpson, Danika Herring, Ashley Nietfeld, Haven Bradbury; (second row from left to right) Lindsey Wade, UHS art teacher Chris Woods, Hope Jergensen, Monica Ramsey, Hayden Rathbun; (back row from left to right) Jordan Woods and Tyler Davidson. (Submitted Photo)

Local arts students got some regional recognition when they took part in the third annual Pittsburg State University High School Art Day.

Ten Uniontown High School art students participated in the annual event Nov. 17 and took first place in the three-dimensional team competition over some 20 schools in the competition.

UHS art teacher Chris Woods said students had 1,000 toothpicks, two rolls of tape and two hours to build a structure. He said they chose to build a replica of the Eiffel Tower using the triangle as the primary structural support.

"I couldn't help them, but we (had) talked about triangles and structure in class," Woods said.

Last year marked the first time the school had taken part in the competition. Woods said the team challenge is different every year -- last year it was sidewalk chalk. He added the challenge was a great way to make the event about more than just showing art.

"Instead of just showing their work, they got to participate," he said. "I thought that was pretty awesome."

The team competition was not the only contest either. Woods said youngsters were allowed to bring two works to be displayed and critiqued. In addition, a timed self-portrait competition was held. Haven Bradbury received an honorable mention for her charcoal drawing and Monica Ramsey competed in the self-portrait contest.

The 10 youngsters chosen to participate ranged from Art 1 to Art 4 students. Woods said they were not only selected for their artistic talent, but their ability to work as a team.

"I just took the ones that I thought would work well as a team. Some of them have leadership abilities and others can work and cooperate well," he said.

One of the most beneficial experiences for students, according to Woods, was the chance to show their artwork, something many of the students don't often have a chance to do. "They work really hard in class and they make some good projects," he said. "I think they really like to display them and have the opportunity for other people to see them."

Woods said he plans to take students to the event next year.