CONWAY SPRINGS – Starting last December, Conway Springs High School art students are competing with each other monthly.

Two winners are chosen, one by staff members at CSHS, and one by the art students. The winners chosen by students have their art displayed for a month at Conway Springs City Hall. The winners chosen by staff members are displayed at Vintage Bank.

Art teacher Jennifer Potts, who is in her first year teaching at Conway Springs High School, brought the idea with her after doing something similar when she was a student.

“I live in the artroom and was artist of the month several times. I loved the competition,” Potts said. “It's a super way to showcase their talents.”

The nominated pieces of art are kept as anonymous as possible, although art students know each others' styles and may see each others' work in progress.

“We try to keep it as anonymous as possible,” Potts said. The entries come primarily from Art II and Art III students, which is only about eight students, but starting artists are being included as well.

“My Art I kids have impressed me,” Potts said.

She said art students put in a lot of work. Most of them are not involved in sports, so this provides an opportunity for them to be recognized for their talents, too.

Makenna Wylie and Angie May were the December winners. Wylie's work was shown at City Hall, and May's work was displayed at Vintage Bank.

In January, Aliette Potts was a winner and had her work shown at Vintage Bank, and Audrey Davis was the other winner and her work was hung at City Hall.

Response so far has been very positive. February winners will be announced at any time.