In the age of technology, it is rare to see anyone using pen and paper, but throughout the month of October, many artists do just that. From the first of the month through the 31, students have the opportunity to be a part of an annual art challenge called Inktober.
“Inktober is an ink drawing contest where kids can only draw in ink,” said school librarian Mindy Purcell. “They can actually do a pencil drawing and do ink over it. The Inktober.com organization gives the topics. So the topics are already given nationally, and I just choose five a week. And then the kids have to do a drawing, if they choose to enter, and it has to pertain to at least one of those topics.”
The challenge takes place on a weekly basis, with participating artists receiving a list of one-word prompts to inspire their pieces each week. When their work is finished, they must hand it in to Purcell, who then passes the completed drawings on to a panel of staff members to judge and determine a winner for the week, along with two honorable mentions.
“The staff votes for the group,” Purcell said. “Last week, it was fine arts and the principals. They all voted on the entries, and they chose the one. So I went with the one that had the most votes. This week the judges will be a different department.”
Though there have not been many submissions so far, Purcell is optimistic that more people will join in as the month goes on.
“I have good prizes, it’s art, and it’s fun,” Purcell said. “We have a lot of artistic kids, so I feel like it gives them an avenue to compete for a competition, but also display their artwork where lots of people can see it.”
Participating in the challenge is not only an opportunity for artistic students to gain school-wide recognition for their work, but it also serves as a great way for them to express themselves and build their creative skills. Purcell is hopeful that continuing to host Inktober will help inspire students to experiment with drawing, even those who might have less experience.
“I mean, all the kids who’ve entered so far have been pretty artistically talented, I would say,” Purcell said. “But it’s for anybody, so anybody can try it.”
Since one winner is awarded each week, the challenge allows room for many participants to be recognized and receive prizes, such as new art supplies. Regardless of whether they win or not, participants are also encouraged to post the artwork they create on social media with the hashtags #inktober and #inktober2024, though this step is optional.
Purcell posts each week’s prompts and results in person in the library and online through Canvas, so that participants can stay informed and winners can get the recognition they deserve. The challenge will remain open through the end of the month, ready to welcome anyone willing to put themselves out there and exercise their creativity.