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 2026.” “ArtEx” 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 9th, where Dobyns-Bennett students took home numerous honors.

A total of 16 student artworks were entered into the juried competition, and 14 of those pieces received awards across a range of media categories. The recognitions included The Best of Show Award, 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 $1025 in award monies. A full list of awards is below.

“These talented students should be commended for the remarkable success they achieved at ArtEx 2026. Their creativity, discipline, and commitment to excellence are evident in every award earned.” — Colonel Russell C. Bennett

The Dobyns-Bennett High School Art Department has a dedicated team of art educators: Russell Bennett, Madison Church, Ashley Hobbs, 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.

Photograph (attached) of those in attendance: (l-r back row) Lilly Krause, Ju’Tana Hickman, Taishawna Davis, Col. Bennett, Isaac Lynch, Lillyana Peterson, Katelyn Musser. (l-r front row) Caroline Miller, Beth Crow, Robin Duke, Lexie Krause, Wade Philippi, Jessica Milburn

Dobyns-Bennett ArtEx 2026 Award Winners

BEST OF SHOW
Layla Venzon / Soft Spot 

ACRYLIC PAINTING (Jr/Sr)
Wade Philippi / Afternoon in Hong Kong / Third Place

COLORED PENCIL/PASTELS (Jr/Sr)
Taishawna Davis / Coqui Ingestion / First Place

INK/MARKER (Fr/So)
Jessica Milburn / Appalachian Sunset /  First Place

MIXED MEDIA (Jr/Sr)
Lillyanna Peterson / Langosta en Movimiento / Honorable Mention

OIL PAINTING (Jr/Sr)
Isaac Lynch / At Home and Abroad / Second Place

PENCIL/CHARCOAL (Jr/Sr)
Lilly Krause / J. Colley / First Place
Lexie Krause / The Librarian / Second Place

3D SCULPTURE (Fr/So)
Brodan Harker / Mushroom House / Third Place

3D SCULPTURE (Jr/Sr)
Beth Crow / Milly the Macaroni Penguin and Macaroni / First Place
Ju'Tana Hickman / Easter Bunny / Second Place
Kate Rinehart / Mischievous Monsters Two Ways / Third Place
Caroline Miller / Animal Figures / Honorable Mention
Katelyn Musser / One Fish Two Ways / Honorable Mention

OTHER ENTRIES
Robin Duke
Juliet Petrie