OSWEGO, NY – Recently several Oswego High School art students were recognized for their outstanding effort by receiving a Gold Key, Silver Key or honorable mentions in the Central New York Scholastic Art competition.
However, it isn’t often that an Oswego Middle School student gains recognition in this elite program.
Scholastic Art judges awarded eighth grader Kayla Volkomer an honorable mention award.
OMS Art teacher Linda Shannon said, “Kayla has an exceptional way of expressing herself visually. This is the first time I can recall that an Oswego Middle School student has received this recognition.”
Kayla noted, “It was scratch art. I was just doing it for art class.”
Shannon said, “She did the first piece and it was an eye and part of a nose and she did it in such a unique way. It was messy and wonderful at the same time. I asked her to try to do another piece and she did. It was completely different, but with a similar feel. She then did one more. The three pieces were matted together and entered as one piece which she called ‘Wandering.’ The whole piece came together so nicely. All the pieces were related to one another, but each could have stood alone.”
Scratch art is quite different from painting or other types of drawing.
Shannon explained, “Students use a sharp tool to remove the black surface and reveal their white image underneath. Once it is done it is done. You can’t correct mistakes.”
The veteran teacher explained the importance of being recognized in the elite competition.
She explained, “If I used a sports analogy people whose work is accepted in the scholastic arts are like sports teams that go to the state tournament. Students who receive keys or honorable mentions would be starters for those teams.”
What started out as a class project for an Oswego Middle School eighth grader became recognized in the top art competition in Central New York.
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