PABLO — Local culture and artistic expression was on full display on May 6 as Two Eagle River students were recognized for excelling in a variety of artforms at the school’s seventh annual Art Slam.

Whether creating a written piece, hand-making a traditional craft, or performing in a tribal drum group — Art Slam contestants hone their skills all year long in anticipation of the main event. The various artwork categories included: Poetry, prose, children’s books, quilts, beadwork, traditional/non-traditional pieces, music, 2-Dimensional art, 3-Dimensional art and photography.

Event organizer Kristina Peterson described the essential need for artwork in the classroom and students’ lives.

“If students didn’t have the opportunity to express their artistic abilities, many might not come to school as for many students, the school is the only place they have to show off such talents,” Peterson said.

The Two Eagle educator added that this year’s Art Slam was a success with the addition of children’s books to the art field and more students entering than the year before.

“Artistic expression creates passion for learning and determination to succeed,” Peterson explained. “Recognizing students for their artistic abilities builds self esteem and confidence in the classroom as well as life outside school.”

The following are awards results from the many categories of last week’s Art Slam.

Poetry — 1st place Roylee Conica; 2nd place Teal Irvine; 3rd place Jodessa Senecal.

Prose — 1st place Jacinte Chiefstick; 2nd place Sierra Webster; 3rd place Audrey Finley; and Jazmin Auld honorable mention.

Quilts — 1st place Jaylen Carpentier; 2nd place Audrey Finley; 3rd place LeRae Rodriguez; and Nate Drennan honorable mention.

Beadwork — 1st place Nicole Couture; 2nd place Nicole Couture; 3rd place Jaylen Capentier; and Brandon Buck honorable mention.

Traditional/Non-Traditional — 1st place Katie Moore; 2nd place Nicole Couture; and 3rd place Nicole Couture.

Music — 1st place Teal Irvine, Paut Mathias, and Josiah Senecal; 2nd place Tianna Ness; 3rd place the Two Eagle River Drum Group; and Jordon Wilder honorable mention.

Children’s Book — 1st place Katie Moore; 2nd place Nicole Couture; 3rd place Nate Drennan; and Suset Rossbach honorable mention.

2-D Art — 1st place Joshanna Couture; 2nd place George Couture; 3rd place Joshanna Couture; and George Couture honorable mention.

3-D Art — 1st place Sierra Brazill; 2nd place Ryan Ostrander; 3rd place Sierra Webster; and LaReza Lafley honorable mention.

Photography — 1st place LaRae Rodriguez; 2nd place Andrew Ostrander; 3rd place Maya Barnaby; and Adrian Cocoran honorable mention.