By Hadley Clark
ROGERS – Three Haas Hall scholars have been recognized by the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, the “longest running recognition program” for young people in America
This year, the award program is partnered with Crystal Bridges Art Museum, which will feature all winning art pieces for the state.
As proclaimed vibrantly by the poster hanging outside the art classroom, the competition formally recognized the artwork of Brighton Sorey, Gerardo Oria, and Noelle Bechet.
According to Haas Hall’s art teacher, Jeri Dockery, “Brighton won the gold key,” and “Jerry and Noelle received honorable mentions.”
The process for the winner begins with a recognition at a museum chosen and partnered with Scholastic Awards for that year.
Dockery clarified that gold key winners have their artwork “presented at Crystal Bridges on March 22 to I believe April.” Artists who were honorably mentioned receive similar recognition; Dockery emphasized that their work is displayed on a slideshow presentation at Crystal Bridges.
This year, Sorey’s “Compos Mentis” will have its own showing. Sorey explains that her piece was titled after this Latin phrase, meaning a “controlled state of mind.”
In reference to the title, Sorey explains, “I went into it not really knowing what I wanted to make… so I just put a bunch of ideas together.”
Despite this being her “first ever oil painting,” Sorey describes that her process was “much more fluid than I expected.” Thus, she entitled it “Compos Mentis,” after completing it and feeling “more at peace.”
Sorey also mentioned that her and her mom are hoping to attend the final rounds of the competition in New York City.
According to Dockery, all winners are “entitled to win up to $12,500 in money and prizes.” She adds enthusiastically, “everyone walks away with money.”
“I am always excited for my student’s artwork–always,” Dockery insists proudly. “And, with the gold key award for Brighton, it adds another dimension to her future.”
