By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

CHELSEA—Two Chelsea students have been awarded top honors at the State Superintendent’s Visual Arts Exhibit.

Pieces by Chelsea High School 10th grader Joy Kim and Chelsea Middle School eighth grader Taylor Stafford were named ‘Best in Show’ out of more than 500 entries from across the state.

“We were absolutely thrilled… both of those girls are just so talented,” Shelby County Schools Supervisor of Fine Arts and Library Media Michelle Hall said. “It speaks to what the teachers are doing to support arts education as well.”

Stafford won for her painting titled “Aboriginal Koi.” Created in the style of Australian Aboriginal artwork, the piece features two koi fish curling around one another. Stafford crafted the image with dots of acrylic paint on brown craft paper.

“It was magnificent, so I’m not surprised that she won,” CHMS art teacher Lori Risher said of Stafford’s work. “She’s a very smart young lady, she really thinks outside of the box.”

Kim received “Best in Show” for her work titled “Self Portrait.”

“Joy is a wonderful student and a great young artist,” CHHS art teacher Max Newton wrote of Kim in a news release. “She is very dedicated and conscientious, and she is not afraid to take chances with her work. This leads to an expanded vision. Joy is very quiet and always takes criticism with a smile. It’s always great to have the opportunity to work with kids like her.”

Kim, Stafford and their teachers will be honored at a luncheon in Montgomery on Feb. 11.

CHMS eighth grader Olivia Delbianco received second place for her photograph titled “Pathway to Paradise.”

Twelve additional Shelby County students will also be featured at the State Superintendent’s Visual Arts Exhibit on display at the Old Supreme Court Library in Montgomery from Feb. 6-20. They are: Adelynn Binkerd, Shelby Elementary; Logan Miragkia, Mt Laurel Elementary; McKenzie Wilson, Columbiana Middle; Madison Sanford, Oak Mountain Middle; Cassie Ledbetter, Oak Mountain High; Katly Corey, Chelsea High; Jessica Ballard, Oak Mountain High; Angel Rivera, Helena High; Vanessa Rushton, Chelsea High; Samantha Moon, Helena High; Katie Gentry, Helena High; and Kayla Dorough, Vincent Middle/High.