PABLO - The eighth annual Two Eagle River Art Slam was a smashing success last Thursday, according to English Instructor and Art Slam Organizer Rebekah Knudsen-Dalbey.

"Every year is successful in its own way," she said. "Though we had less readings this year, there were more entries of quilts, paintings and drawings. We never know what we'll get until the week of the slam."

Students are encouraged to participate with any genre of art that inspires them. Colorful star quilts, bead work, pencil drawings and photographs covered the lobby walls as poetry and musical entries were performed on stage.

"We find that students who participate in the arts are more likely to enjoy school and stay involved with events here," Knudsen-Dalbey said.

It can be a challenge to get students to perform and read written work at the Art Slam, but those who can muster the courage are rewarded with support and encouragement from fellow students and staff, as well as a shot at prize money.

Japanese exchange student Shun Ikegai took first and second prize in the music category, with Robbie Couture and Taylor Mullaney rounding out third and honorable mention, respectively. Mullaney won first in prose and third in poetry, as well.

Jaylen Carpentier's quilt impressed the judges, and she placed second behind Sierra Webster in bead work. Webster won multiple awards in two-dimensional art, prose and poetry, too.

"I am always proud and amazed to see what our students are capable of," Knudsen-Dalbey said. "We have a plethora of talent and creativity here."