CHADRON – Nearly 100 students from the Panhandle and South Dakota attended Chadron State College’s Art Day Nov. 4. CSC faculty and students presented a variety of sessions about graphic design, ceramics, mural painting, photography, architecture, wire sculpture, jewelry making, painting, and even temporary tattoos.

Art Department Chair Mary Donahue said the department spends a lot of energy in preparation.

“I was proud to see our CSC students step up to lead or help with all the workshops. What really gave me joy was seeing all our students together in the morning in a spirit of teamwork and talking with each other during our lunch gathering. It helps everyone feel a part of the program,” Donahue said.

Mycalynn Cortney, the art teacher from Edgemont High School, brought two juniors and one sophomore. She has attended CSC’s Art Day a handful of times and sees value in exposing the students from her small school to new art techniques. 

“It's good to get them acquainted with other students from different areas. And it's also good to have them experience different art methods we may not cover at school. And it's also to get instruction from people other than me. It's good for them to dip their toes into more art and pique their interest. I told them to ask a bunch of questions and get some advice from kids doing what they want to do.” she said. 

Rebecca Peacock, the art teacher at Morrill High School, said she has been bringing students to Art Day nearly every year since 2007. 

“I think it's really eye-opening for them. We're a small school so this is really cool for them to be on a campus and try different things they're not getting to do back home,” said Peacock, who has had three daughters graduate from CSC. “This is just an awesome experience for our kids. I'm glad that Chadron does this. It is cool opportunity for kids because they get to come together with other schools and mingle, get a little bit out of their comfort zone.” 

Ashley Anderson of Fort Morgan, Colorado, who will graduate in the winter of 2026 with a degree in Graphic Design, created the winning design for Art Day T-shirts. 

“I went with a cave art theme because cave art was one of the first forms of art humans started creating and Art Day is where, especially the high schoolers, start to learn about art,” she said. 

Donahue said Anderson is a quiet but mighty thinker when it comes to art and design.

“We often talk about the early prehistoric image making and how that is where all our art and design began, so I was glad to see her incorporate that in her concept,” Donahue said.

Anderson included a Ralph Waldo Emerson quote on the back of the T-shirt about every artist beginning as an amateur.  

“We all start from somewhere and that's also what Art Day is. It's learning new things about art and having a good time. You're not a natural at first. You have to practice,” she said. 

Anderson, a junior, helped teach the photography session this year and last year. Her freshman year, she helped at the registration table. 

Bailey Dean of Highmore, South Dakota, is an art therapy major who enjoys teaching ceramics to the Art Day participants. She will graduate in 2026 and enjoys answering questions about college and giving life advice.

“We try to encourage them to ask questions about college. I really enjoy CSC. It’s super affordable and I’ve never had a bad experience with any of my professors. I really enjoy it. I’d recommend it,” Dean said.