Ribbons were handed out April 15 to winners of the 2011 Vicksburg Art Association Youth Art Show.

About 90 local high school students submitted art pieces for the contest, in forms including pencil, watercolor, pastels, mixed media and three-dimensional ceramics and sculptures.

First place awards were earned by nine different students from Warren Central and Vicksburg high schools, with Damond Anderson, 16, a WCHS ninth-grader taking Best of Show for his watercolor painting called “War Zone.”

Brandi Waldrop, a WCHS junior, took first in three different categories — pastels, mixed media and sculpture. Seconds, thirds and honorable mentions were also awarded.

“There’s a lot of incredible talent in Warren County, and not only among the students but also the amazingly dedicated and talented teachers who helped put this show together,” VAA president Corin Morrison said.

WCHS art teacher Jaime Coon, who chaired the committee of teachers who selected and organized student work for contest submission, said students could enter five to six pieces, all required to have been created in art classes during this school year.

Coon said the teachers were pleased with what was produced.

“A lot of the students are beginners, so this might be their first attempt at entering a show,” she said.

About 40 VHS students and 50 WCHS students, plus one student from Porters Chapel Academy and one student who is home-schooled submitted contest entries, Coon said.

The show, which drew more than 180 art pieces, was open to all seventh- through 12th-grade students in Warren County.

“The students were so excited their work was being displayed,” Morrison said.

The Youth Art Show drew about 100 spectators, said Morrison. Toni Lanford Ferguson served as judge for the event.

The VAA held its Children’s Art Show April 8, displaying works created by students in kindergarten through sixth grade, Morrison said. That unjudged show drew 400 to 500 spectators.

Morrison said the VAA is looking to make April “A for Art” month.