Artwork created by a new generation of students now decorates the halls of Garland County Juvenile Court after works created by an earlier generation of student-artists were returned them late last month.
Parents and students were invited back Monday for a special reception where they had their photos taken alongside their artwork following a brief speech by Division 2 Circuit Judge Wade Naramore.
"For eight years we had some other artwork in our offices and our halls and we were able to return those to graduating seniors this year a few weeks ago. They really enjoyed it and I hope in eight years you all will come back and get to experience that, as well," Naramore told the students.
The artwork was created as part of a contest the court held recently, and 67 pieces of artwork were chosen for display throughout the Garland County Courts Building. Students were asked to draw how they saw the future of the world and how they could improve it. Each student also wrote an explanation of their work.
"Once we (gave the seniors their artwork back) something changed and when we got this new artwork up it was obvious what it was. The artwork, the joy, the love, the hope; all the things the children had given us and shown us over the years was missing from our walls for those two weeks. It's incredible and amazing to have it back," Naramore told the students, noting that office morale increased immediately after the new works of art were installed.
The artwork was judged by a group of local artists who chose from the countless submissions they received, Edie Milholland, office administrator for the juvenile court, said. After they were selected, the office worked quickly to have them framed and installed in the hallways.
Addison Langford, a fourth-grade student from Cutter Morning Star, said she hopes she will remember creating her work of art eight years from now when it becomes time for her to graduate. She said knowing that local artists deemed her work good enough for selection made her feel "awesome and proud."
Langford's drawing features a variety of flowers which she hopes will brighten the day of everyone who gets the chance to see it.
"I just want to make people smile," she said.
Local on 05/28/2018