DAR junior’s artwork awarded Best of Show; to be displayed in U.S. Capitol

HANCEVILLE — DAR School junior Natalie Jones wanted her art to come “off of the canvas,” as opposed to the “flat” pieces she had seen.

As a result, her 3D crocheted work of art was named “Best of Show” at U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt’s annual Fourth Congressional District Art Competition.

“So, I really like the art collages and most of them that I see on places like Pinterest and other websites all the pieces are flat,” Jones said. “I wanted to do something that came off of the canvas. Something that was really colorful and brought the colors of art and nature together.”

The awards ceremony was hosted Monday at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville.

Jones’ piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for the next year as part of the national Congressional Art Competition exhibit.

As the Best of Show winner, Jones will also travel to Washington, D.C., this summer to participate in the national awards ceremony.

In addition to the recognition, she has been awarded a full two-year scholarship to Wallace State.

“Each year I continue to be amazed at the level of artistic ability we see from students across the Fourth District,” said Aderholt. “The imagination and dedication these young artists pour into their work is truly inspiring. I want to extend my sincere thanks to Wallace State Community College and its president, Dr. Vicki Karolewics, for once again hosting this wonderful event and for their continued support of arts education in our schools.”

Additional winners by category:

Paintings

1. Lilli Gilliland – JB Pennington High School
2. Yadira Juan – Russellville High School
3. Yumiya Xie – Florence High School

Drawings

1. Elianna Hollis – Cullman High School
2. Ashley Pankey – Boaz High School
3. Luke McCurdy – Guntersville High School

Collages

1. Flor Gonzalez – DAR High School
2. Alexx Stadelman – DAR High School
3. Frankie Kate Kruger – Cullman High School

Prints

1. Holt Hurt – Florence High School
2. Emma Beavers – West Point High School
3. Peyton Millsap – Haleyville High School

Mixed Media

1. Vanessa Corona Rios – Guntersville High School
2. Isabella Smith – Sumiton Christian School
3. Harper Granger – Cullman High School

Computer Graphics

1. Maria Agnello – St. Bernard Prep School
2. Laiken Rice – DAR High School
3. Matthew Jiminez – Crossville High School

Photography

1. Juan Dominguez – Haleyville High School
2. Stacy Johnson – Florence High School
3. Crystal Gonzalez – Guntersville High School