FRIENDLY COMPETITION SPARKS CREATIVITY FOR YOUNG ARTISTS
CHARLIE FISS
Elementary school art students throughout the Dallas Independent School District rolled up their sleeves this fall and put their imaginations and pencils to work as competition began for the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Art Contest. The end result of this 11th annual event was a spectacular collection of artwork that was placed on display around town this past week.
Aimed at youngsters in grades one through six, the Classic’s art program was created in the summer of 1997 with the goal of expanding students’ knowledge about the overall college experience as well as increasing their awareness in geography, teamwork, local history and tradition.
With the help of the Sanford Corporation providing art supplies and materials, each young artist displayed his or her talent and artistic creativity with one-of-a-kind illustrations. These budding artists were inspired to learn more about the educational aspect of collegiate sports, the AT&T Cotton Bowl, the Big 12 Conference and the Southeastern Conference.
Winning entries were selected in three different classifications: first and second grades, third and fourth grades, and fifth and sixth grades. Judging was based on how the students used the various elements of color and thematic schemes to tie college football, New Year’s Day and the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic together in their illustrations. Nine art students received prizes for their efforts as well as their classmates and teachers.
The artwork of the top overall winners were framed and presented at this week’s Big Play Luncheon to the head coaches of the universities participating in today’s game. The nine winners also went on exhibit at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in early December.
As for the remaining 4,000 pieces of art, they also went on public display on New Year’s Eve in Dallas-area hotels. These illustrations were placed inside the rooms of arriving football fans as unique welcoming gifts from the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic.
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IAN HALPERIN
During last year’s Big Play Luncheon, Auburn Coach Tommy Tuberville, Nebraska Coach Bill Callahan and AT&T Southwest President José Gutiérrez were presented framed pieces of art by winning students from the Dallas and Richardson school districts.
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