By NICOLE LOGGINS/Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – Young artists across the county are preparing submissions for the Shelby County Arts Council’s Fences on Parade exhibit. The project has been an annual tradition for schools for three years. Students paint fences, which are then displayed for the community at the school system art show.

On March 30 the fences will be judged and awarded prizes. Susan Dennis Gordan, visual artist and SCAC director of arts and education and Kim Graham, visual artist and art director at Means Advertising, will judge the fences.

“Definitely craftsmanship and creativity (are important), sometimes it’s hard to decide,” Gordon said. “The best in show will have both great craftsmanship and creativity.”

Vincent High School art teacher Paul Williamson said the project has traditionally been reserved for the school’s art club, but this year he chose to give to his senior art students.

“It’s all about dreaming and letting your dreams take you away,” senior Danielle Parker said.

Vincent’s fence has a space theme and represents a new frontier in their lives, senior Keri Jo Shaw said.

“We’re moving to a new chapter in our lives, and it’s about us moving to a new frontier,” Shaw said.

The Vincent group named the piece “Challenge Accepted” in honor of SCHS senior, Christopher Goodwin, who was severely injured in a car accident on Feb. 29.