Art teachers Jessica McElhaney and Janelle Turk, under the leadership of Heather Walters, coordinated the event, which welcomed more than three dozen ninth through 12th grade students from both Eisenhower Middle High School and Warren Area High School.

Warren Mayor David Wortman and Gary Weber, school superintendent, attended the event, observing the creative process and serving as judges.

This year’s competition centered on the theme of color spectroscopy and was made possible through the Elementary/Middle School Science Equipment Grant secured by Walters and funded by the Society of Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh.

Leading into the event, district art teachers participated in professional development led by Robert Paysen of the SACP, where they explored additive and subtractive color wheels, wavelengths and the visible spectrum, and how the human eye perceives color.

Mayor Wortman made his way around each art group to discuss their work. Pictured are: Desteny Mennetti (Warren), Sarah Hovey (Warren), Madasyn Gurdak (Eisenhower), and Zayla Jackman (Eisenhower).

Building on this foundation, lighting equipment purchased through the grant now allows students across all grade levels to experiment with light�’reactive art. This instructional opportunity was showcased during the competition.

Students gathered at the Warren Public Library and were placed into mixed�’school groups to encourage interaction with peers outside their home schools. After a presentation on color theory, spectroscopy, and light�’reactive art, teams were challenged to create a spring-themed drawing that transforms under different light filters. By applying additive and subtractive color principles, students produced artwork that shifted, disappeared, or animated depending on the light source.

Judges arrived early to observe the creation process and speak with students about their artistic decisions. During presentations, students explained their subject choices, symbolism, use of color and light, and their group’s overall approach to the challenge. Judges evaluated both the creative process and the final animated artworks.

Awards were presented for first, second, third, and honorable mention, with students receiving custom “Artscars.”

First place winners include Grace Wilkins (Warren), Bella Slocum (Warren), Fiona Cook (Eisenhower), Cierra Melquist (Eisenhower). Second place winners include Hailey Cabisca (Warren), Addison Brown (Warren), Jade Stewart (Eisenhower), Mackenzie Lindvay (Eisenhower).

High school students gathered for the 2nd annual art competition, an idea headed up by Youngsville Art Department Curriculum Coordinator and teacher Heather Walters.

Third Place winners are Zoe Rodgers (Warren), Rei Greeley (Warren), Cecelia Gregg (Warren), Emma Buvoltz (Warren). Honorable mention artists were Joseph Blasco (Warren), Adalena Schmidt (Warren), Baylee Mead (Warren), Amanda Sirianni (Eisenhower).

Artwork from the competition will be on display for public viewing during the WCSD All�’County High School Art Show at the Warren Public Library from May 7-20.