By ALIYAH CONNER
Tiger Media Network
The 50th High School Art Day will take place today on the Fort Hays State University campus. For half a century, High School Art Day has allowed all high school students interested in art to explore the Schmidt Foundation Center for Art and Design Building, meet professors, and learn what majors and classes the Fort Hays Art Department offers.
The event also gives students the opportunity to display their work to other students and teachers from all over the area. Karrie Simpson Voth, department chair of Art and Design at FHSU and an organizer for High School Art Day finds this aspect of the event vital.
“It’s so important for people—especially young artists—to have the opportunity to show their work to others,” she said. “Art is meant to be seen and experienced—when students share their work, they become part of a larger conversation and community of makers and thinkers. That’s what High School Art Day is all about.”
Simpson Voth said events like this also give young artists a chance to connect with others, receive recognition, and envision a future in the arts.
“These moments can be truly life-changing and help inspire the next generation of creators,” she said.
The schedule will be familiar to recent attendees. Registration and hanging of the student exhibition begin at 8:00 a.m. The sidewalk art competition begins outside at 10:00 a.m. while the exhibition is being judged. At 11:00 a.m. the exhibition is open to the public for viewing.
During downtime, students are encouraged to explore the Schmidt Foundation Center for Art and Design Building where FHSU students’ work is displayed in classrooms. Professors will be available to talk about their departments.
“We’re thrilled to be offering first, second, and third place awards to each participating school, complete with ribbons and certificates. In addition, jurors will select standout pieces to receive Outstanding Excellence sticker seals,” Simpson Voth said. “One of the most exciting new elements is that jurors will be selecting one overall ‘Best of Show’ from all the first place winners.”
That student will receive a certificate, a medal, and a $1,000 scholarship to FHSU to pursue a major in Art and Design. The teacher of the Best of Show winner will receive a $200 Dick Blick gift certificate to help support their classroom art supplies.
Schools from all over the area are encouraged to register to set up a table full of the art their school has to share. One booth is given per instructor at each school. The only thing the school must provide is a way to hang their artwork. The schools are also encouraged to enter teams for the sidewalk chalk competition being held outside the Schmidt Foundation Center for Art and Design Building. Chalk will be provided for teams of up to four per square. The winner receives the traveling trophy and a t-shirt for each team member. The second-place team will also win t-shirts. This year the competition’s theme is: “Mascots in Oz”.
“There’s nothing like seeing over 1,000 talented young artists from across the region come together to showcase their creativity, learn from each other, and be inspired,” Simpson Voth said. “Between the exhibition, awards, workshops, and energy on campus, it’s a day full of connection, encouragement, and possibility. We hope this year’s event not only celebrates the past 50 years—but also inspires the next 50.”
Every member of the Fort Hays State community is encouraged to celebrate the legacy of Art Day during the public exhibition at 11 a.m. today in the Schmidt Foundation Center for Art and Design on campus.
Those who cannot attend can watch TMN’s live stream of the event.