Alabaster, AL – Three talented students from Thompson Middle School have earned statewide recognition in the 2024-2025 Virtual Art Competition of Alabama, marking a major achievement for the school’s art program under the guidance of teacher Claire Caldwell.
The students—Jocelyne, Alexa, and Kaia—impressed judges with their unique and creative works. Jocelyne's abstract name design, Alexa's watercolor fish painting, and Kaia's oil pastel flower were among the standout pieces in this highly competitive event.
This year’s competition, organized by the Alabama Art Education Association (AAEA), saw record-breaking participation, with 75 teachers from 52 schools submitting 216 pieces of student artwork. The competition featured an impressive range of artistic mediums, including multimedia sculpture, painting, scratchboard, photography, and digital art.
“The quality of work submitted this year was truly outstanding, making it one of the most difficult shows to judge,” organizers stated. “All the submitted works are exceptional, and we encourage everyone to congratulate their students for being included.”
Winning students will receive a letter of recognition from the AAEA President, a certificate, and the prestigious opportunity to represent Alabama at the 2025 National Art Education Association (NAEA) Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, from March 20-25. Their artwork will also be featured on the AAEA website, giving them well-deserved exposure on a statewide platform.
The Virtual Art Competition of Alabama continues to provide a vital platform for young artists to gain exposure and recognition for their work, reinforcing the importance of arts education in schools across the state.
