The 2024 Cowley Prodigy Awards

The Cowley College Prodigy Awards, held on November 6th, 2024, celebrated the incredible artistic talent of high school juniors and seniors in the Cowley County area. With over $400 in prizes, awards, and scholarships up for grabs, the event provided a unique opportunity for students to showcase their creative skills across multiple mediums.

The day began bright and early with portfolio reviews from 9:00 to 11:15 AM. Students presented their recent art and design work to a panel of judges, receiving valuable feedback and recognition for their efforts. The reviews set the stage for a day full of inspiration and competition.

At 11:30 AM, students gathered for a celebratory lunch, followed by the Awards Ceremony. Prizes were awarded in various categories, and scholarships were available to senior participants. The morning's festivities culminated with the announcement of the Best of Show winners.

Students also competed in live Art Battles at Kerr Tech in the afternoon from 1:00 to 2:30. Categories included painting, pottery, and graphic design, providing students with the opportunity to create masterpieces on the spot. The battles were a dynamic conclusion to an already exciting day, showcasing the participants' raw talent and competitive spirit.

Best of Show Winners:

Senior Division-

  - Traditional 2D Media: Adrianna Wixon – “Him” (Drawing) – Arkansas City  

  - 3D Media: Aiden Stowell – “Tranquility” – Belle Plaine  

  - Digital: Claire Peri – “Wishes” – Arkansas City  

Junior Division-

  - Traditional 2D Media: Lynlee Massey – “Geese” – Arkansas City  

  - 3D Media: Lillian Ross – “Sprite” – Belle Plaine  

  - Digital: Ashlyn Swindler – “Be The Blossom” – Belle Plaine

Category Winners:

Painting-

  - 1st: Fayth Catlin – “T.H. Landscape” – Oxford  

  - 2nd: Bria Murphy – “Places of Meaning” – Winfield  

  - 3rd: Sarah Corle – “Sclerotic” – Winfield  

Digital Art & Design-

  - 1st: Bennet Betzen – “No More Rough” – Belle Plaine  

  - 2nd: Nahvay Saucedo – “Coffee House” – Belle Plaine  

  - 3rd: AJ Patterson – “Spider Man” – Belle Plaine  

Drawing-

  - 1st: Aspen Cyre – “Beautiful Blue” – Arkansas City  

  - 2nd: Fayth Catlin – “Mylar Initials” – Oxford  

  - 3rd: Sophie Woods – “Love You, Mom” – Arkansas City  

2D Other (Printmaking, Mixed Media, etc.)-

  - 1st: Brelee Shamburg – “French” – Winfield  

  - 2nd: Bria Murphy – “Addict Before Adolescence” – Winfield  

  - 3rd: Aubreye Osburn – “Mental Hypnosis” – Winfield  

Ceramics/Glass-

  - 1st: Athena Robinson – “Turtle” – Arkansas City  

  - 2nd: Kairi Roberts – “Warming” – Winfield  

  - 3rd: Aubreye Osburn – “Zombie Head” – Winfield  

Sculpture-

  - 1st: Sarah Corle – “Fragile” – Winfield  

  - 2nd: Alanah Topper – “Goopy” – Winfield  

  - 3rd: Lillian Ross – “Cotton Candy” – Belle Plaine

The Cowley College Prodigy Awards was more than just the chance to win prizes. It was an opportunity for them to connect with other like-minded young artists, receive mentorship and guidance, and explore the potential of a future in the arts. With live art battles, inspiring portfolio reviews, and a celebration of outstanding talent, the event demonstrated a high level of creativity and dedication in the Cowley County area.

Congratulations to all the winners, and a big thank you to the Cowley College faculty, staff, and art club members who helped make this event a success! The Cowley College Prodigy Awards have proven to be a platform for fostering the next generation of artists, designers, and creatives.

Hunter Ferguson | Integrated Communications Specialist
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
hunter.ferguson@cowley.edu