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March 8, 2009

Students succeed in art contests

By Rachael Gleason

Alpha Omega Academy art students came out on top at their first district art competition last month.

Three students qualified for the state meet in Austin; the school placed fourth overall.

This is the first year for the school to enter into the art competition, which is sponsored by the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools, according to AOA art teacher Doug Murdock.

“I think it’s really amazing since it’s our first time,” said Murdoch, who has been teaching art for about two years. “I just wanted us to have a positive experience. They really did well.”

Ana Ingebrigsten, a 12th-grader at AOA, placed first in graphite drawing and will compete in the state meet next month.

Her drawing, appropriately called “Essence of Africa,” was based on a picture of lions in the art room. Ingebrigsten eventually added traditional huts, an African woman and a tree to keep with the African theme.

“I thought it was really cool,” she said. “It was exciting to win first.”

Ingebrigsten, who is active in dance, said drawing is a hobby of hers.

Brandi Sanders, an 11th-grader, placed second in graphite drawing with her state-qualifying piece “Thoughts of Sailing.”

The drawing done by Sanders was also based on a picture in Murdock’s art room. The scene includes several boats and a dock.

“I’ve always liked the sailing idea. I’ve been on lots of cruises — I like being on the water,” she said.

Samantha Humphrey, a 10th-grader who also qualified for state, said she found inspiration for her photograph, “In God we Trust,” at home.

“I saw it hanging on my house and thought it would make a good picture,” she said.

Humphrey said the message is appropriate for what is going on right now. Her photograph features a cross with an American flag and the words “In God we trust” on it.

Although she did not advance to the state level, Taylor Garrison placed fifth in the fashion accessories contest with a pink sundress arrangment.

Murdock said at least six students will attend the state meet next month to take part in on-site competitions, ranging from photography to drawing and painting.

The artworks completed by Ingebrigsten, Sanders and Humphrey will be judged along with the winners of other district contests.

According to Murdock, students have received a lot of support from their parents and the school’s headmaster, David Hizer.

Murdock said he looks forward to growing the art program at AOA. Right now, he is focusing on drawing, but he hopes to incorporate color in the future.

“You have to get the basics down when you start an art program,” he said.

Murdock retired from the state several years ago. He started teaching art to the students because he feels it is an important subject for them.

“They need a cultural foundation,” he said. “They need to be able to express themselves.”

Alpha Omega Academy is a private, Christian K-12 school located on state Highway 30 West.

For more information, contact AOA at (936) 438-8833.

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