After a lengthy hiatus for the COVID-19 pandemic, the Williams Community Center Youth Art Show roared back in 2023 with about 125 entries from students from around Colusa County.
The Art Show was held Saturday, March 25, in Williams, and dedicated to Joan Marie Holybee, who died in 2022.
“She was very supportive of the art show,” said Judy Busath, organizer. “She loved to bake the cookies and make punch or lemonade.”
Students from Egling Middle School, Our Lady of Lourdes, Lloyd Johnson Jr. High, Princeton Jr/Sr High School, Williams Jr/Sr High School, and Williams Community School entered pen and pencil drawings, paintings, art history projects, and sculpture for the show, which had been held annually since 2017 until the pandemic.
“I’m so excited to bring the art show back this year,” said. “It’s been three years since we had the show because of COVID and the schools shut down. I’m really happy to have it again and for people to come.”
Plein Air artist Mary Ann Nation, who judged the art, said she was impressed with the skill of the young artist and detail of some of the artwork.
Nation said the hardest part was narrowing down the six winners from among so many beautiful exhibits.
“The ones that I picked, I tried to see things that looked individual and looked like it was done right from their heart,” Nation said.
Cash awards and ribbons were awarded in two grade divisions.
Winners for 7th-9th grade were first place: Kandy Ruiz, of Johnson Jr. High; second place: Estefany Carabeo, Williams; and third place: Teagan Zapeda, Egling.
Winners for 10th-12 grade were first place: Jesus Rico, Williams Community School; second place: Sebastian Mendez, Pierce; and third place Audrey Arago, Williams.
In addition to winning $50 for her first place detailed drawing of a leopard, Ruiz won $100 for Best of Show.
Hollybee’s niece, Candice Woodworth, and her husband Melvin made the art show possible with a donation for the awards.
The show will be called the Joan Hollybee Memorial Art Show beginning in 2024.
All Colusa County students are encouraged to enter their artwork.
“All the schools are invited,” Busath said. ■