Three art students out of a team of eight at Wakefield High School were awarded first place in the state for the North Carolina Association for Scholastic Activities’ art showcase, which was hosted at Wakefield. Students were allowed to submit work in various categories that fit the theme of the gallery, which was Beauty Discovered. The first place winners include: Cameron Harston, who entered a print, Colton Valentino, who entered a drawing, and Brynn Carrick, who entered a sculpture.

The team of eight, representing Wakefield High School, won third place overall in the competition, leaving contestants feeling accomplished in their efforts.

Art teacher Dawn Valentino explained the premise of the art showcase and why she selected certain students to enter their pieces.

“Basically, we had to form a team of eight for the NCASA,” said Valentino. “The team had to consist of one artwork in each discipline (print, mixed media, drawing, painting, collage, photo, sculpture, and computer art), so I had to select a team based on the people who I knew had work that would fit in that theme.”

Senior Cameron Harston spoke of the benefits of having been awarded first place in the state for her future career in art.

“I think [placing first in this competition] will definitely help with college,” said Harston. “I’m trying to get into a good art college and that will help them know that I’m good at art.”

Senior Colton Valentino also agrees that this showcase is useful as he begins deciding what college he plans to attend. Being recognized by the state is definitely one way to draw the attention of admissions officers.

“[Placing first] will help with scholarships,” said Valentino. “It’s one more thing to put on a college application.”

Although senior Hieu Hoang did not receive a first place title, she was proud of the work she created.

“I entered a landscape painting of my country [Vietnam],” said Hoang. “The place itself, Ba Na Hills, Da Nang City, inspired me to create the piece that I entered. The place was beautiful and it made me feel calm. To me, nothing is more beautiful than nature.”

Junior Brynn Carrick, who won first place in sculpture, also felt inspired by the theme of the showcase, which pushed her to work hard in order for her piece to stand out in the gallery.

“I entered my piece titled Twisted Petal,” said Carrick. “I was inspired to create this piece by the flowers and butterflies that surround my backyard. I have always loved and have been interested in the unique forms of flower petals and butterfly wings. They are just so delicate and fragile, a perfect example of beauty found in nature.”

Hoang hopes to pursue a career in art and create more pieces that can inspire her, as well as others.

“I will continue to pursue my art career because my goal is to become a successful landscape artist in the future,” said Hoang.