By Andy Diffenderfer
Correspondent
ROCK SPRING, Ga. — Could America’s next great young artist be in a Walker County school?
County students got a chance to show off their artistic talents and inspire others to stretch creatively at the two-day Artrageous Antics: Look, Listen and Learn art show over the weekend at the Walker County Civic Center.
In its fourth year, the student fair grew into a two-day festival. Artwork, craft demonstrations and “make-and-take” tables for patrons wanting to try their hand at creative disciplines were set up in the adjacent agricultural center.
“I think it’s important they can find something they can be successful at,” said Shanna Hartline, an art teacher at Naomi Elementary in LaFayette, Ga. “Art gives them the opportunity to be creative and have fun in a stress-free environment.”
There was more to the event than visual art. Musical performers included a rock band and musicians from Ridgeland High School in Rossville.
Teachers and pupils agreed students can gain extra motivation and inspiration from seeing their work exhibited for the public.
“I could have the next Leonardo da Vinci in my class, but if we don’t get his work out, nobody would know,” said Liz Hornik, an art teacher at LaFayette High School.
Chris Sandow, an art teacher at Gilbert Elementary in LaFayette, said students love seeing their work displayed.
“There’s a flow of creative energy when you see other artists and see what they do,” he said.
Chelsea Horton, a senior at Ridgeland High, exhibited pottery, paintings and jewelry at the festival.
Miss Horton said that although she always drew at school, her interest in art took flight after a history class project on Van Gogh just two years ago. The Flintstone, Ga., resident plans to major in film at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
“Having people come to me and tell me they enjoy my work means a lot and is very inspiring,” she said. “It makes you want to do more. Kids can look at these works and say, ‘I can do that, too.'”
Andy Diffenderfer is based in LaFayette, Ga. Contact him at andydiff97@comcast.net.