The Superior Express -

Art students from the Lawrence- Nelson High School competed in the 7th Annual Hastings College Mural Competition on Sept. 8. Students attending this year's competition included seniors Fayth Brudvig, Elsa Jorgensen, Emma Epley, Kylie Beard and Aleah Heikkinen, all taught by Mrs. Kylee Haba.

This year marks the school's fifth time competing in this fun and challenging event. The mural competition consists of schools from across the state, all given the same theme for inspiration. Students are to independently brainstorm a concept for their mural and complete it in a matter of only four hours. This year's theme for the competition was "2075: Future Perspectives."

The girls took just a few minutes coming up with their idea and flew with it. They were one of the first groups to put paint to their canvas. By lunchtime, they had paint covering the entire surface and were working on the shading and fine details. The girls diligently used every second, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., to complete their mural on time.

When it came time for judging, conducted by several Hastings College art students, the artists received many compliments and were beaming with pride. They began to have hope they might have a chance at placing this year. After some clean-up time, the judges returned with their decisions.

Out of 37 schools and a total of more than 200 students, the Lawrence-Nelson Art Department placed for the first time in their five years of competing. The mural team from a small rural school received second overall, holding their own against two much larger schools (Grand Island Senior High-third place and Bellevue West High School- first place).