Penny Snell, a freshman at Bayside Academy, blew judges away at the 68 Ventures Bowl art contest, walking away with a first-place award.

This year's contest theme was "Commemorating 25 Years: The Roaring Twenties in Mobile." Snell, who placed first in her division at the annual art competition, competed against other students in 9th and 10th grade from both Baldwin County and Mobile, according to a press release.

According to Vikki Finch, Bayside Academy art director, while this type of contest is not required in the curriculum, often they will align with the current lesson.

"[It] depends on the contest and what is happening in the art studio while the contest is in effect. Oftentimes they will align so it works really well to do a contest as part of a class," Finch said. "In Penny's case, she worked some in class and some at home in order to complete her artwork in time for the competition. We encourage all of our studio students to participate in local, regional and national contests."

According to the release, the winners also receive gifts from the organization and contest sponsors, and the school's art department will be awarded a $300 cash prize. Finch said the department will collaborate and decide how best to use the funds to support the program.

"We have six visual art faculty members here at Bayside. We will get together and talk about what will be useful for the program," Finch said. "In the past, we have used award monies to buy things like a sewing machine and a mannequin for students interested in working with textiles to use."

Finch said that she would urge any interested student to branch out and enter their work in contests, as it provides an opportunity for networking and exposure to a career in art.

"Competitions are useful in helping students step outside their art comfort zone and develop motivational skills. They have to have the self-motivation to see their project through to what is for them, its highest level," Finch said. " It also gives them a chance to see what sort of work other young artists not in their immediate environment are producing. If a student is seriously considering entering a creative career, entering contests is a great way to learn what it's like to exhibit work."

The winners will receive their awards at a banquet on Nov. 29 in Mobile. All contest winners, including Snell, will receive a commemorative plaque, Foosackly's gift card, Southern Art and Frame gift card and tickets to the 68 Ventures Bowl game in Mobile on Dec. 23, which will be televised nationally on ESPN.

"I say do it; you'll meet new artists, your work will have a wider audience and bigger exposure," Finch said. "It is a 'real world' experience about what it's like to be a professional artist today."