ULM’s visual arts department hosted an awards reception for the 19th Annual Junior/Senior High School Juried High Exhibition on March 9 in Bry Art Gallery. 

There were 185 entries received from nine different high schools, but only 50 works by 36 students were accepted into the competition. 

Joni Noble, an art education professor at ULM and juror for the competition, said, “ We have had more entries this year than we ever had. It was difficult to judge because of the overwhelming amount of talent that was presented.”

Noble said the criteria for being accepted into the show was the amount of creativity and originality.

Awards were given, including cash prizes and scholarships.

S. Clair Smith from Neville High School was awarded the Gretchen Dean Best of Show title and the People’s Choice award for her piece, “Sterling and Pearls.” Smith said, “I was surprised I was chosen, but yeah, it feels great!”

The piece “Fruit Bowls” by Samuel David Carradine, Jr. from Ouachita Parish High School came in second place.

Noble said, “High school students don’t really have a forum to showcase their art. This gives them that chance to show their work.” 

The exhibition is available for viewing in the Bry Art Gallery until March 22.