Junk Sculpture Contest Held

Kevin Hudson » Layout Editor

Twelve Century High School students demonstrated their ability to transform ordinary “junk” into artistic masterpieces in the fourth annual Junk Sculpture Contest on October 27.
     The sculptures received by the judging panel varied in style, size, and their projected moods. The first, second, and third place winners exhibited very different approaches to their designs. Awarded first place in the contest, “Gumball Disco”, by junior Danielle Leggett displayed vibrantly colored feathers with a clear dome topping a rainbow-lit spiraling tube, resembling a gumball machine straight from a 70s club scene. Leggett explained her concept, “I had an old gumball machine in my house and a bunch of crafts that I combined to make the ‘Gumball Disco’.”
     Senior Dan Meadows won the second place prize with his sculpture, “Thoreau.” His work of art contrasted Leggett’s over-the-top color theme with a simpler earthy feel. Meadows used a thick tree branch and created the illusion of wires overtaking the wood, producing the feel of “wired nature.” Meadows commented, “I was happy to win second place, and am excited for the state competition.”
     The third place sculpture, “Framed” was constructed by senior Christine French. This sculpture was made with a broken mirror inside of a jewelry box, with fish tank stones shaped as hands clutching the artwork.
     Other honorable mentions included sculptures by junior Eleni Bontzos’ Disney Monopoly themed, “Disopoly” as well as, sophomore Rob Singleton’s memory enshrined piece called, “The Golden Years.”
      The top three contestants are sent to a statewide competition in Baltimore, according to Sharp, who added that the contest was a project in his honors studio art class. At the statewide competition, entries are eligible for awards such as: Most Creative and Best in Show.
     The contest was open for entries from any student in the school and was held in the media center, where all of the artwork was displayed. The winners in the contest have electronic awards next to their sculptures that are made from “junk”, consistent with the contest’s theme.
     Art teacher Jeff Sharp put the contest together for the fourth time.     
Any teacher was eligible to judge the contest by filling out a form and submitting it.