Silver City, N.M.- Last Friday, Western New Mexico University hosted the 2016 Juried Student Art Exhibit event. This event, which was held in the Miller Library, allowed student K-12 grades present their art abilities to their families, friends, and for the community.
The event came together thanks to Marcela Shepard, who is the wife of WNMU President, Joe Shepard. She is currently teaching Spanish at Hurley Elementary School and is very passionate about art.
This is the 3rd annual event where WNMU was able to host this event and the first time where the Silver and Cobre schools were able to present their work together.
“I wanted to find a place where all Grant County can come together” said Ms. Shepard, “and now people are asking why other schools weren’t invited, so this means that this event can grow.”
The event first started off by letting the audience walk around the library and see the art that was presented. Later, President Shepard thanked everyone for attending and introduced the teachers and judges that were present. Awards were then announced for each grade and school for the Most Outstanding Art Award.
After the $50 raffle-ticket Walmart-Prize was given out, the grand prize was up next. The Grand Prize of $500 would be given to the best two art works from the Silver and Cobre School District.
Silver’s winner was 5th grader Hannah Skinner and Cobre’s winner was Senior Mercedes Montoya
On top of the $500 prize, President Shepard awarded both Hannah and Mercedes a $500 Scholarship.
On giving the winners the scholarship, President Shepard said, “When I see an opportunity of great talent, not should they be awarded in schooling, but also to encourage them in their work.”
Mercedes commented briefly on her achievement by saying, “It feels great and would like to thank my family and my teacher Roman Begay.”
She plans on playing it smart and is going to save her money for college next year.
Overall the event turned out to be a great success for all who participated and who attended.
“That was the main goal” said Ms. Shepard, “To see people come together and really celebrate the arts and get the kids get involved as much as possible.”
