State Art offers more than competition for RMHS students

Symposium blends creativity, collaboration and exposure

For many high school artists, most of their work is seen only by classmates, teachers and family members. Once a year, though, that changes. At the Wyoming State High School Art Symposium students step onto a much larger stage, submitting their artwork to be judged alongside thousands of pieces from across the state.

This year, Rocky Mountain High School sent eight students to the annual event, held at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper. For many in the group, it was their first time attending.

Second-year art teacher and club sponsor Erica Griffin said the experience goes far beyond simply entering a piece of art.

“This is a pretty incredible event, where students have the opportunity to view nearly 5,000 pieces of artwork created by their peer group from all over the state,” Griffin said. “While teachers are conducting the judging segment of the show, students participate in workshops and activities like creating portraits, group karaoke, jewelry-making and creating fashion from newspapers.”

Those activities are a major part of the experience. Students compete in events like spontaneous sculpture, mural design and even an Etch-A-Sketch challenge, all while learning to collaborate and think creatively under pressure. Others take part in open mic performances or team games like Pictionary, building connections that extend well beyond their own school.

Griffin said the event also gives students a chance to see what is possible at the next level.

“Students are able to make connections with visiting colleges and other students from across the state,” she said.

Outside the main event, the Rocky students also visited the Nicolaysen Art Museum, where they experienced a live performance piece by artist Oakley Boycott. The trip wrapped up with an awards ceremony and dance at Natrona County High School.

While the experience itself is valuable, the group also brought home some recognition. Senior Taylor Gifford earned two ribbons, while Bailey Gifford and Lilian Wenstrom each took home one.

“This year’s group of students attending are mostly first-year students, so seeing them place with a ribbon each is very exciting,” Griffin said.

For Griffin, the success of the returning students is just as meaningful. She pointed to Taylor Gifford, who has attended State Art for three years.

“She keeps honing her craft,” Griffin said.

Growth and willingness to take risks are just as important as awards. Griffin highlighted senior Maddy McCollam as an example.

“Students like Maddy, who is a second-year art student, and willing to experiment with a completely different medium by working with plaster to create a sculpture piece, just shows their creativity and drive,” she said.

That combination of creativity, competition and collaboration is what has helped the symposium grow over the decades. What began in 1968 as a small student exhibit organized by Laramie art teacher Tim Collins has evolved into a statewide event drawing thousands of entries. Today, it is organized by the Wyoming Secondary Art Educators Association, whose mission is to promote quality art education through the annual symposium and ongoing professional development.

For the students from Rocky Mountain, the event is already leaving a lasting impression.

“I’m so very thankful for this group of students,” Griffin said. “They are already talking about planning projects for next year’s State Art. I love seeing their hard work, energy and creativity shine through in their artwork.”

For a few days in Casper, art moves out of the classroom and into a statewide spotlight. For these students, it is not just about being judged. It is about being seen.