From March 2010:

Recently, Chamblee students submitted their unique artwork to the 2009 Dogwood Art Festival. Of the nearly 100 works submitted from our school, only 16 were accepted. There were 600 works of art from students all over the county in total.

Among the submitters, sophomore Katie Christensen, junior Marcus Byrd, and senior Leo Charles endured weeks of anticipation for word from the judges. 

In late December, the results of the art festival were given to the Chamblee art department. Christensen, Byrd, and Charles all placed in the top ten out of all of the submissions. One of the winners, Byrd, entered a painting and the other two entered photographs. 

“I’m really proud that I won, especially because my photo was competing against a wide assortment of sculptures, paintings, and other photos,” said Charles, who came in eighth place. 

Charles’ picture was of the heart of New York City at nighttime with buildings lit up like the sun. Charles plans on entering the next photography or art competition as a result of placing in the top 17 with his latest art show submission. 

“I was quite surprised at how many Chamblee students placed,” said Roberta Schacher, head of the photography department at Chamblee.

The Dogwood Art Festival usually shows greater attention to non-photographic mediums in their choice of winners. 

“There are very little odds that a photo, especially after winning in a previous art competition, would win in the next art show,” said Schacher. 

In the Dogwood Art Show, Christensen won second place with her photo and Byrd won third place.

“I was shocked, yet glad that I came in second place,” said Christensen.

“I hope that each of my students, even if they did not place, will incorporate photography into whatever profession they choose,” said Schacher. “I expect, concerning their work ethic, that they will continue to hone their disciplines.”

The next art competition will take place at Pace Academy, a private school, on Tuesday, March 30.

Award Winners:

Second Place: Katie Christensen [Photography]

Third Place: Marcus Byrd [Painting]

Eighth Place: Leo Charles [Photography]

Ninth Place: David White [Drawing]