For the first time, the Johnson Center for the Arts took a walk on the wild side with its Wildlife Expo on Oct. 24 that featured world famous turkey called Preston Pittman and local vendors, hunters, wildlife enthusiasts and the Wild Art of Pike County Student Art Competition.

“This whole wildlife event was centered around the Johnson Center’s Fall Student Wild Art of Pike County Competition,” said Vicki Pritchett, Johnson Center director. “This was our second fall student art competition. Last year was face jugs; this year it was wildlife and students were asked to draw pictures of animals they would see in Southeast Alabama.”

Johnson said the response to the competition was enthusiastic.

“The teachers said their students had a lot fun thinking about and drawing the wildlife they see around Pike County,” Pritchett said. “They used their imaginations to create some very interesting artwork. Our purpose and our goal is to encourage and involve as many students as we can in the arts. This juried competition was a fun and exciting way to do so.”’

Recognitions were given to the Best of Show winners in each grade division and also first, second and third place winners.

“The teachers of the Best of Show winners each received $50 to be used for art supplies in their classrooms,” Pritchett said. “We congratulate all the winners and all of those who participated. The artwork told the story of the wild side of Pike County. It was a good learning experience and a fun way to compete.”

The winners in the Wild Art of Pike County Student Art Competition were:

Kindergarten-second grade:

Best in Show: Emma Faircloth, first grade, Kristy Drinkwater, Covenant Christian

First place, Cooper Johnson, second grade, Kristy Drinkwater, Covenant Christian; second place, Sanai Sanchez, second grade, Jennifer Lindsey, Troy Elementary School; and third place, Noor Siad, second grade, Jennifer Lindsay, TES.

Third through fifth grade winners were:

Best in Show: Kate Nelson, fourth grade, Carol Goff, Pike Liberal Arts School

First place, Naomi Valentine, 5th Grade, Jennifer Lindsey, TES; second place, Evie Kate Lindsey, 3rd Grade, Jennifer Lindsey, TES; and third place, Marie Gallie, 5th Grade, Jennifer Lindsey, TES.

Sixth through eighth grade winners were: Best in Show, Endya Parker, 8th Grade, Jennifer Sullivant, CHMS; first place, Amber Barron, 8th Grade, Jennifer Sullivant, CHMS; second place, Rayvion Williams, 8th Grade, Jennifer Sullivant, CHMS; and third place, Jeffrey Knotts, 7th Grade, Sonya Steele, Pike Liberal Arts.

In the ninth and tenth grade, the Best of the Show winner was Ashley Baker, 9th Grade, Mrs. Day Barnes, After School Programs. First place winner was Cody Hollis, 9th Grade, Sonya Steele, Pike Liberal Arts. The second place winner was XZavieyan Green, 10th Grade, Charlotte Walden, CHHS and in third place, was TJ Peagler, 10th Grade, Pam Smith, Luverne High School.

The Best of Show winner in the 11th and 12th grade division was Quintavius Allen, 12th Grade, Mrs. Carrie McLaney, Pike County High School. The first place winner was Madelyn Montgomery, 12th Grade, Mrs. Day Barnes, After School Programs. In second place was Breanna Jewell, 11th Grade, Mrs. Carrie McLaney, Pike County High School and in third place, was Andrew Wilson, 12th Grade, Mrs. Carrie McLaney, Pike County High School.