Dobyns-Bennett High School Art Students Shine at Regional Exhibition

KINGSPORT, TN — The Dobyns-Bennett High School Art Department is proud to announce the outstanding achievements of its students at “ArtEx 2025.” “ArtEx 2025” is a regional art exhibition held at the Bristol Public Library in Bristol, Virginia and is sponsored by Bristol's Art in Public Places organization. The exhibit culminated in an awards ceremony on Saturday, May 10th, where Dobyns-Bennett students took home numerous honors.

A total of 16 student artworks were entered into the juried competition, and 13 of those pieces received awards across a range of media categories. The recognitions included first-place finishes, second and third-place honors, and several honorable mentions, showcasing the depth of talent and creativity within the program. Dobyns-Bennett had the most individual winners and garnered close to $800 in award monies. A full list of awards is below.

“We are thrilled to see our students’ efforts recognized in this regional venue and rewarded for their incredible talent, hard work, and dedication to their craft,” said Col. Russell Bennett, a member of the Dobyns-Bennett art faculty.

The Dobyns-Bennett High School Art Department is led by a dedicated team of art educators: Col. Russell Bennett, Ashley Hobbs, Juanita Mitchell, and Paige Trent. Their combined efforts continue to inspire and support young artists in developing their skills and artistic voices.

The Bristol Public Library exhibition provided an opportunity for students across the region to showcase their work to the public and gain valuable experience in presenting their art in a professional setting.

Dobyns-Bennett ArtEx 2025 Award Winners

ACRYLIC PAINTING (Jr/Sr)

CARA COOPER “Bouquet” - Honorable Mention

WATERCOLOR/GOUACHE (Fr/So)

ELIJAH WILLIAMS “Telephone Booth” - First Place

INK/MARKER (Fr/So)

BRETT BEGLEY  “Dark Ben” - First Place

LOLA TERRANOVA “Cathedral” - Second Place

LAYLA WALKER “Astral Bloom” - Third Place

INK/MARKER (Jr/Sr)

TAISHAWNA DAVIS  “Family” – Third Place

MIXED MEDIA (Jr/Sr)

ZOE TOMLINSON “An Artist’s Cat” – Honorable Mention

PENCIL/CHARCOAL (Fr/So)

LILY POWERS “Self-Portrait” – Second Place

PENCIL/CHARCOAL (Jr/Sr)

RYANN INGRAM “Apathetic Self-Reflection” -Third Place

3D SCULPTURE (Fr/So)

GABRIEL CHRISTIAN “Eric and Mumble” - First Place

LLEYTON GOOD “Sprinkle Mug” – Second Place

3D SCULPTURE (Jr/Sr)

SAMUEL WELLMAN “Tree of Life” - First Place

HALLIE N. COOK “Steeped in Serenity” Honorable Mention

OTHER PARTICIPANTS

EMILY FEATHERS, ROSEMARY JARRETT, CHLOE McCONNELL