Art winners named

By submitted, 05/14/18 9:37 AM

HOPE – The state-sponsored Artist in Education (AIE)  program is hard at work in Hope schools.A coordinated program of the Arkansas Arts Council, Hope Public Schools and the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council, AIE brings in artists of varied disciplines to work directly with schools and their teachers to enhance the arts’ programs in schools.

Recently fourth graders at Clinton Primary took part in a statewide art contest to celebrate the life of activist, author, poet and former Arkansas resident, the late Maya Angelou.

AIE artist Mary Overton guided 175 fourth graders through an art exercise based on Angelou’s life as inspiration. SWAAC volunteers judged the completed works and the winners were recognized in a special ceremony at Clinton Friday. Janis Kearney, former aide to President Bill Clinton, and state coordinator of the “Celebrate Maya” project presented certificates to the winners.

National sponsor for the contest is the National Park Service.

Winners were: Osvaldo Brito, first; Miguel Solis, second; Brianna MacLaughlin, third; and, Taniya Willis and Emir Barrentos, both honorable mention.