SparkCon, a festival where many artists express themselves on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, was celebrated the weekend of September 12 to September 14, 2014. Art students from WHS always represent at this event flourishing the streets with designs rendered in chalk.
Artists were assigned a square to create their art. In addition to the street art, there was also Music Spark, where musicians showcased

their talent. Circus Spark entertained guests as they danced or performed stunts. BazaarSpark is similar to a street vending where patrons can buy food, clothing, or art.
Wakefield High School was well represented at SparkCon and was led by art teacher Dawn Valentino.
“It is a great way to celebrate students’ talents,” Valentino said. “It’s a great way to promote the arts.”
Sarah Hennenkamp, a senior and president of the National Art Honor Society, emphasizes that SparkCon has no limit to age or experience.
“It’s just a chance to meet artists from all over,” Hennenkamp said. “It’s nice to meet artists of every age.”
Art is one way to express individuality. Colton Valentino, a junior, states the importance of art and how it relates to everything.
“Art is really important because it’s the basis of everything you do,” Valentino said.
Not only is art a foundation, but it can be used to express oneself.
“It’s a form of self-expression,” Hennenkamp said.“If you have any negative emotions, you can just get it out into the art.”
Taylor Joyner, a junior, has attended SparkCon in the past and enjoyed it.
“I have [participated] since sixth grade and it’s tons of fun,” Joyner said.
Students worked on their artwork for hours at SparkCon, but according to Valentino, the hours invested in the project that will vanish once a hard rain falls is worth it.
“[Students can appreciate] how much time and energy goes into it,” Valentino said.
SparkCon celebrates the arts, which, according to some, is not often brought out in society.
“It brings art out into the open community-wise,” Joyner said. “You have sports events but you don’t have anything for artists, so its nice to get out of the studio every once in a while.”
Whether it is a drawing or a painting, art is a celebratory part of society. Art teachers like Valentino work for the appreciation of art.
“Art is everywhere and it’s amazing,” Valentino said. “Everyone should know how create art or appreciate art so they can share it with generations to come.”