BAY MINETTE, Alabama – Isabel Hammons of Bay Minette won the Best of Show at the 2013 Visual Arts Achievement Statewide Exhibition and Competition. The winners were honored at a ceremony at the state capitol. Isabel won Best of Show for her mix-media painting “Breathing Music.”

Following the ceremony, a reception was held in the Alabama Artists Gallery of the RSA Tower. “This is a high and elite honor bringing great esteem and pride to Bay Minette Middle School,” said Pam Coffman, BMMS art teacher.

Isabel is a member of the Bay Minette Middle School’s National Junior Art Honor Society, under the direction of Coffman. The honor society includes current and former BMMS students who attend after school art sessions.

Prior to the state contest, NJAHS members took part in the district competition at the Mobile Museum of Art for Visual Arts Achievement. Isabel won first place at district to advance to state. Other students from BMMS and Baldwin County High School also earned recognition. Seventh grader Sarah Bender won third place for her acrylic painting “Lady Ivory.”

Others BMMS students receiving accolades included Taryn Toler, acrylic, “Mystic Dragon;” Alexis Sherrin, acrylic, “Sweet Southern Magnolia;” and Matthew Sprinkle, watercolor, “Beautiful Hummingbird.”

Baldwin County High School students earning District recognition included Breanna Earls, mix-media, “Guarded;” Lori Norwood, drawing, “Mystic Eyes;” Mica Herrin, photography, “Free Spirit;” Cassie Pardi and Nija Marshall, acrylic, “Sweet Southern Magnolia.”