Cookeville Art Studio And Gallery Showcasing High School Artists

The Cookeville Art Studio and Gallery is highlighting local high school artists with this month’s gallery.

The “Reba Bacon Memorial High School Art Competition,” runs until March 27th. Board Secretary Terri Ritter said 103 pieces from six different schools are on display.

“It started back in 1978,” Ritter said. “This is the 43rd competition, and Reba Bacon, who founded the art society, wanted to do something for high school students.”

Ritter said students from public, private and home schools make up the gallery. Ritter said each artist must get sponsored by their teacher to enter.

“There are nine categories of acrylic, oil, charcoal, clay, color pencil, pastel, pencil, pen and ink and three dimensional and water color,” Ritter said. “So there is a wide variety, and it’s just a wonderful display. I am amazed by the talents of our students.”

Ritter said the art society partners with Tennessee Tech to judge the pieces. Winners of each category earn a monetary prize.

“The artwork is judged by a professor from Tennessee Tech, and his students,” Ritter said. “I didn’t realize this, but there is actually a class in how to judge artwork. So they come in and do the judging. Each section I mentioned early is awarded a first, second and third prize.”

The Cookeville Art Studio and Gallery is open to the public Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.