WHS art student Jae Shamblin, accompanied by her teacher Mrs. Amy Groom, was recognized at a reception held last Saturday at the Topeka Shawnee County Public Library in Topeka, KS. Jae's ceramic piece, "Dread of Deformity," was selected as 3D Best in Show at the Kansas Youth Art Month Exhibit held February 27-March 23 at the Topeka Library.
Of "Dread of Deformity," Jae wrote, "Social constructs don't have meaning until society gives it one. I work on contemporary pieces that tackle everyday struggles. The biggest struggle I see today is body image. We were taught at a young age that being beautiful is one of the best things you could be. That has led us to be competitive about looks. I put emotion into every curve and carving. She has been built, destroyed and rebuilt. She creates life."
For her award of Best in Show, Jae received a $100 prize check and also earned Mrs. Groom a $100 gift certificate to AMACO, an art and clay company.
This state-level event is coordinated by the Kansas Art Education Association (KAEA) and sponsored by BLICK Art to celebrate March as Youth Art Month. Every art teacher in the state is invited to submit one student piece to enter into the exhibit/competition. It is an honor itself just to be selected for inclusion by your teacher; and alongside Mrs. Groom's choice of Jae Shamblin's piece, fellow WHS senior Emma Gooch's 2D mixed media piece entitled "Hozier" was chosen by Mr. Todd Larkey.
Congratulations to Jae on earning 3D Best in Show, and congratulations to Emma Gooch for her selection to the prestigious exhibit!