ATHENS-A gas station, a duck pond and a carnival ride are among the iconic Athens sites that have inspired teenage artists to create art pieces for public display.
Athens City Hall debuted its Art Corner on Monday, November 21, to highlight local students’ talent. High school students who are members of the Athens Mayor’s Youth Commission helped cultivate the Art Corner. The Youth Commissioners are responsible for the Share the Art Contest which includes developing themes, deciding which artwork will be on display and choosing a grand prize winner.
grand prize winner Sara Grace Bottcher’s College Inn/Newby Gulf Station
The first theme, suggested by Youth Commissioner Grayce Ann Richards, is “Local Loving.” Art students in city and county schools were asked to submit art based on places, events and attractions in Athens that they love. There are nine pieces on display from Athens High School’s art class taught by Tavia Slaton. Art teachers from other schools said they plan to participate in the next competition, which will occur in January.
The grand prize winner was Sara Grace Bottcher, 15, who painted College Inn/Newby Gulf Station located next to Big Spring Memorial Park.
“I am thrilled she chose College Inn because this place holds so much history in its walls,” said Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful Executive Coordinator Lynne Hart, whose office is located at College Inn. “We see people of all ages come through from those who met their future spouse here and to those who are first-time visitors. It is so nice to know there is a young woman who understands the value of the site and appreciates this complex, “
Mayor Ronnie Marks
Other submissions included paintings of the Duck Pond at Big Spring Memorial Park and Lion’s Club Kiddie Carnival car ride.
“This is a fantastic project for our Youth Commission to oversee, and they gain experience with creating and administering a project,” Mayor Ronnie Marks said. “This also promotes art in our community through our youth and recognizes those students who are engaged in being creative.”
The public, especially the students’ family, friends and teachers, are welcome to view the Art Corner during business hours. Athens City Hall is open Monday through Friday (except for holidays) from 8 to 4:30 p.m. The “Local Loving” series will be on display through the first part of January.
The Youth Commission utilized funds from Dekko Foundation to create the Share the Art Contest. Dekko Foundation gave the Youth Commission $3,500 earlier this year. Youth Commissioners invested most of that money in non-profit agencies that had a project to benefit Athens but kept $250 for Youth Commission purposes. They used their funds to purchase frames and will give the grand prize winner for each theme $15.
Here is a list of those students whose work currently is on display in the Art Corner:
Grand Prize Winner: Sarah Grace Bottcher, Athens High – College Inn/Newby Gulf Station
Averie Conn, Athens High—Cinemagic Theater
Grace Rink, Athens High—Presbyterian Church on The Square
Presley Carroll, Athens High—Duck Pond
Sarah Clem, Athens High—Cars ride at the Lion’s Club Kiddie Carnival
Cedric “CJ” Hamilton, Athens High—Athens City Hall
Kelsey Rose, Athens High—Limestone County Courthouse
Kourtnee Allen, Athens High—Swan Creek Greenway walking bridge
Lillie Latham, Athens High—Kreme Delite
