Art competition highlights fire safety
By Carole Kelly
Winners of the Fire Safety Arts Competition were announced at a recent ceremony held at Clinton Fire Station Two on Old Vicksburg Road. The competition is sponsored each year by the Clinton Fire Department and the Arts Council.
Recognized for their vision of fire safety in their art were Josie Upchurch and Sylvyah Groves, first grade; Shya Walker and Selah Daniels, fifth grade; and Macy Kate Shoggen, Layni Saint Sing and Clare Cohen, seventh grade. The artists, standing by their paintings, explained their subjects, which varied from bonfire safety and everyday heroes to first responders and neighborhood fires.
The event began with a welcome from Deputy Fire Chief Todd Muli, who emphasized the contribution of the competition in sharing information about fire safety combined with encouragement for young artists. He pointed out that the framed pictures will remain on display at the station throughout the next year.
“We have visitors throughout the year who come to the station to see the art,” he added. After the year’s display, the pictures are returned to the artists.
Arts Council President Robert Blanton, in introducing the winners, noted the many outstanding young artists who had participated in the competition. He thanked the art teachers for working with Arts Council competition coordinator Diane Pleasant, including Jaime Coon, Kimberly Atwood, Wanda Primer and Rhonda Browning.
Fire safety competition pictures will be on display throughout the year at Fire Station Number 2 on Old Vicksburg Road.
Pictured (l to r) are, front row: arts competition coordinator Diane Pleasant, Josie Upchurch, Sylvyah Groves, and Selah Daniels; and back row: Deputy Fire Chief Todd Muli, Macy Kate Shoggen, Shya Walker, Clare Cohen and Arts Council President Robert Blanton.
Making plans for next year’s fire safety arts program sponsored by the Arts Council and the Clinton Fire Department are (l to r) Rhonda Browning, Diane Pleasant, Jaime Coon, Wanda Primer and Robert Blanton.
