Superstition Week, a series of Halloween themed events, included a very scary challenge. “Show Me Your Horror”, a drawing contest hosted by ShaTara Baker of Student Programs required contestants to draw and color something gruesome, disturbing, and most of all horrific.
The first place winner would receive a 75 dollar gift card to Michaels, and 50 dollars to the second place winner. Baker said that her main reason for holding the contest was to “reach out to students who weren’t in an art class, or maybe couldn’t even afford one.”
The planning process took place within the week, as she wanted to give the artists enough time to create their frightening piece of horror.
Baker also stated that she would suggest the contest for next year’s special event coordinator, and plans do possibly hold another contest around Valentine’s Day. “Show Me Your Heart, maybe.” She said that “The winners were great and really captured the title of the contest.”
Jordan Watts, a graphic arts major, took home first place with his painting “Til Death do us Part.” Watts’ love of both Halloween and art compelled him to enter a piece.
The painting, which depicts a pair of conjoined twins, was inspired by his friend. She gave him the idea to paint an “inescapable position,” which resulted in the image of one twin eating another in a zombie like fashion.
His artistic background includes involvement in art clubs at his high school, and at the Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburg. Watts also received an Associate of Science in Graphic Communication in Pittsburg.
He said that he really enjoys using different types of media, as it adds breadth to his work. When asked what he planned to do with the prize, Watts’ replied “Probably Sharpie paint markers, because they’re really fun to use.” Watts also complimented Baker and the Student Programs office on all the Halloween activities offered during the week.
The first and second place winners, along with a surprise third place winner, were announced on October 26th, during the Superstition Week festivities.
