Sarah Culp likes art, but was never really did any herself.
Art classes never fit into her plans until this year, when the Brandon High School senior took a painting class and a portfolio class. Her theme was eyes in the portfolio class, and she ‘scrounged together? everything she could to enter several pieces of artwork in the 2007 Southeastern Michigan Scholastic Art Awards.
Last month, Culp learned she’d won three Silver Keys and two Certificates of Merit for drawing in the competition.
‘I guess I recently picked up the skill,? says Culp, who spent roughly 7-16 hours on each drawing. ‘My mom is the real inspiration. She’s an art major. I learned more from watching her work than any art class I’ve ever taken.?
Culp was one of several Brandon students to be recognized. Other winners included BHS senior Kelly Craciun, with a Silver Key in drawing; Erin McDaniel, senior, a Silver Key in mixed media and two certificates in drawing; Tom Michaels, a Silver Key in drawing and a Silver Key in mixed media; Brandon Newman, senior, two Silver Keys and three certificates, all in digital imagery; Crystal Robinson, senior, a certificate in drawing; and Jennifer Sherman, junior, a Silver Key in mixed media.
‘I think my students did fabulous,? said BHS art teacher Jennifer Polasek. ‘They really expanded their horizons this year. It’s the first time we’ve ever entered the digital imagery category. We were obviously successful. The drawings are fabulous, these kids can really draw. You never know what’s going to win.?
Polasek, has taught art at BHS for three years, and entered 25 pieces of artwork along with art teacher Jamie Slot this year. Of those, 18 pieces were chosen.
The winning art is being displayed now through Feb. 23 at the College for Creative Studies at the Walter B. Ford II Building, 201 E. Kirby, Detroit. Show hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 12-5 p.m., Saturday.