The assignment was to take something that had already been used and change it to make it into something beautiful. Students could use old paintings, used canvases, thrown away scraps–anything that they could alter to create their own art. Anders Pomeroy, a sophomore at Aspen High School, decided to use an old canvas that appeared to have been used as a media testing space. It had some spray paint on it, and some random splotches. Instead of covering up the old paints, he incorporated them into his work. Little did Pomeroy know that this small classroom assignment would end up winning him a Gold Key Award in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards contest.

Every year since 1923, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards have recognized artistic achievements across the nation. Participants can win a Gold Key, a Silver Key, an honorable mention, and possibly scholarships. This year was the first year in which AHS had students entered in the competition. Out of 5,500 art entries throughout Colorado, three AHS students won an award. David Mondry won a Silver Key, Kelli Callahan won an honorable mention, and Pomeroy won a Gold Key.

“It’s really awesome to have won the Gold Key. It really boosted my confidence, and it has made me think more of myself as a real artist as opposed to just some kid making art,” Pomeroy said.

Considering the level of competition, Pomeroy spent a relatively short time, just a few weeks, creating his piece. Upon finding the abandoned canvas, he had the idea of painting a face over it, as faces are one of his favorite things to draw. The piece ended up being one of his best ever. He was quite pleased with how it turned out despite the fact that he is a perfectionist and had to look past the flaws of beginning with used canvas. In the end, he realized that he had an exceptional project. He might not have even submitted the piece had it not been for his teacher, Stephanie Nixon, who simply instructed him to grab his favorite piece and just send it in. Pomeroy did so, and soon after the competition slipped his mind entirely. He had no expectations as he was about to win the highest award in the competition.

The painting, which has been titled Blank Stare, is now on show at The History Colorado Center. It will be on display until March 18th where it will then be shown at the National Awards and moved to either Parsons School of Design or Pratt Institute. It will later move to Carnegie Hall and possibly to the Denver Art Museum.

“These pieces have the potential to travel around the state and get displayed in multiple venues, which is really great because then more people get to see them,” said Nixon. “The award overall is a really good validation that he (Pomeroy) is in the right field and is interested in the right thing. It’s a good validation of his talent and of his drive.”

Pomeroy is thankful and excited to have won the award. Congratulations to Gold Key winner Anders Pomeroy for his piece “Blank Space,” and to the all the rest of the winners from AHS as well.