By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Almost 1,000 high school students from across Kansas and Nebraska packed Gross Memorial Coliseum with their artwork Wednesday.

This was the 44th year for the high school art day, which serves as an open house for the Fort Hays State University art and design department and a recruiting tool for the university. The event hosted 962 students from 62 schools this year.

Student artists with exemplary work took home certificates. Students watched demonstrations throughout Rarick Hall and some visited the Hays Arts Center downtown, which is preparing for the opening of its annual Smoky Hill Art Exhibition.

Although high winds put a bit of a damper on the outdoor festivities, 30 schools also participated in a sidewalk chalk art competition on the sidewalks outside of Rarick Hall. The theme was “Monumental Memories.” Hill City High School took first, Russell High School took second and Dodge City Hill School took third.

“I want to thank all of the students and teachers who participated,” Katie Christopher, FHSU Department of Art and Design staff member and organizer, said. “We are doing it for them.”