We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
A piece of artwork by Avery Fox, an eighth grader at Turner Public Schools, has been chosen as a finalist for Artsonia's Artist of the Week. If he wins, the school will receive a $100 gift certificate for art supplies, and Fox will receive a $50 gift certificate provided by Blick Art Materials.
Fox's artwork is a clay gargoyle, a mythological creature which he named Jerry. "He looks like something from the past, a little bit scary yet funny," Fox said. "In history, gargoyles stood at the front gates of old buildings and sometimes served as water spigots or fountains. Mine is a different design, kind of complicated but smaller than real life."
As an architectural feature that has existed for thousands of years, gargoyles were first created to prevent structural damage to buildings by preventing rainwater from running down the sides and eroding the mortar between the stonework. When solely used for architectural adornment, they are known as 'grotesques'."
Although originally designed for this practical function, the gargoyle also has an arcane purpose. Believed by many to ward off evil spirits, the myth of the gargoyle suggests that the stone beasts come to life in the dead of night to physically fight off spirits and to act as guardians. Their wide open mouths are further symbolic of devouring giants.
Avery is the grandson of Robert and Susan Gist Fox, as well as the son of Brian and April Fox. The latter teaches art for Turner Public Schools.
With a mission of bringing communities together to celebrate the artistic expressions of young people, Artsonia is the largest collection of student art published by teachers and students from around the world. Parents, family, and others can view the art online, leave comments, and order keepsakes featuring the artwork. Artsonia's Artist of the Week campaign not only serves to inspire student artists but promotes the sharing of art.
People are invited each week to participate in the selection process for the best artwork submitted in four age categories: Grades PK-3, Grades 4-6, Grades 7-9, and Grades 10-12. Those casting votes are limited to one vote for one finalist per grade group per computer per day. Current and future art can be viewed at.artsonia.com/
Each week, approximately a dozen art pieces are selected from those collected and serve as potential award candidates. According to organizers of the "Artist of the Week" program sponsored by Blick Art Materials, this weekly contest highlights new artwork from the four different grade categories. "It encourages family, friends, and other art appreciators to vote for their favorite piece. This is not a merit-based contest, but rather a simple and fun way to remind us all that EVERY child is an artist and deserves a moment in the spotlight," say Artsonia personnel.
Online voting closed at midnight on Saturday, October 29, and winners were announced on Sunday, October 30.
