Inaugural Libby Allen High School Art Exhibit, Competition announced

This news story first appeared in Overton County News on Feb 13, 2024.

Overton County Arts Council (OCAC) has announced the inaugural Libby Allen High School Art Exhibit and Competition to be hosted at Livingston-Overton County Chamber of Commerce on April 21-26.

This event is named after beloved local arts educator Libby Allen to recognize and celebrate her 27 years of dedicated service to all the elementary school students in Overton County. Ms. Allen began her teaching career in Overton County in 1996.

“When I first started this job, another art teacher told me that if you’re not overwhelmed, you’re not doing it right. Well, I’m overwhelmed most days, but in a good way,” said Ms. Allen, reflecting on her long tenure.

“I always let kids see my mistakes, which are sometimes a lot. But then I show them how to work through their mistakes, too.

“I love to watch my students get inspired, especially when they look at their finished work and say, ‘I can’t believe I did this!’ That’s the best reward. And I always tell them that the sky is the limit.”

The new high school exhibition and competition is open to all students enrolled in Eddie Street’s art classes at Livingston Academy and art students at REACH Academy. All student work will be on exhibit during regular chamber business hours April 22-26. There is no charge to view the exhibit, and everyone is encouraged to attend.

“Over the last 27 years, no one has done more to educate all of the children of Overton County about art than Libby Allen,” said local artist Mitchell White, who is a member of the OCAC and chair of the Fine Arts Department at Cookeville High School. “She has single-handedly and tirelessly provided excellent art instruction to every elementary school student in the county. All of us on the Council wanted to find some way to acknowledge and honor Libby, and this seems like a good way to do that.”

A reception and awards ceremony will be hosted on Sunday, April 21, at 2 p.m. for students, teachers, administrators, families, and friends. Cash prizes and certificates will be awarded to first, second, third, and honorable mention winners in eight different categories of artistic expression: Acrylic/Oil, Charcoal, Clay, Colored Pencil, Pastel, Pencil, Pen & Ink, Watercolor, and Three Dimensional (sculpture media).

The cash prizes in all eight categories will be $75 for first place, $50 for second place, $30 for third place, and $20 for honorable mention.

OCAC is excited to provide this opportunity to the visual art students of Livingston Academy and REACH Academy and to honor the work of Libby Allen.

Overton County Arts Council is a newly formed 501(c)3, tax-exempt nonprofit organization with the mission to cultivate and promote the visual arts for the benefit of all Overton County residents and visitors. For more information on annual memberships and upcoming programs and events, please visit OvertonCountyArts.org.