Artist Jessica Caldas judges Art Throwdown competition

There’s a certain value to taking students to a public space and help them practice their craft.

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“These competitions can be really great for students because for one, we’re here in the High Museum. I’m sure it gives students a sense of validation to be here drawing in a public space, a very important public space in the arts community here.”

— Local artist Jessica Caldas told WABE during last weekend’s Art Throwdown at the High Museum of Art. Art Throwdown brought together high school students from seven different high schools to compete in art categories. Caldas judged the figure drawing round of the competition.

During the face-to-face round, students sat across from each other at a long table and had four minutes to complete a drawing of the person across from them. Each round, the time decreases until someone is declared the winner. Categories included graphic design, sculpture, curation, art writing, and figure drawing.

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