March 27, 2025—The halls of Osborne High School burst with vibrant colors and eye-catching designs during this year’s Cobb Art Rocks Fest. This district-wide celebration of artistic expression showcased stunning works by students from schools across Cobb, turning the high school halls into a dynamic canvas of talent, passion, and creativity. 

The First-Ever Cobb Visual Arts Throwdown: Creativity in Motion 

Adding an exciting new dimension to this year’s festival, middle and high school students competed in the inaugural Cobb Visual Arts Throwdown—a high-energy, collaborative challenge where art met adrenaline. Teams from Durham, Floyd, Palmer, and Simpson middle schools, along with Hillgrove, Kell, Lassiter, and North Cobb high schools, turned nothing into amazing art, transforming a shared set of materials and a common theme into original masterpieces— all within a high-pressure two-hour window. 

Judges crowned Floyd Middle School and Kell High School as the art champions. Winning teams took home custom screen-printed supply aprons, while all participating schools received art supply packages to fuel future creativity in their classrooms. 

Art with Heart: Supporting the Patrick Key Memorial Art Fund 

Art lovers didn’t just admire student creations—they also had the chance to take them home. Exhibited pieces were available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting the Cobb Foundation’s Patrick Key Memorial Art Fund. Established in memory of beloved Cobb art teacher Patrick Key, who passed away in 2020, the fund provides annual grants to visual arts teachers, ensuring that inspiration and creativity continue to flourish in Cobb’s classrooms. 

A Brushstroke of Kindness: Honoring Michelle Yoo

Among the many heartwarming moments of the festival, the presentation of the Patrick Key Kindness Award stood out as a true highlight. This year’s recipient, Michelle Yoo of Keheley Elementary School, was recognized for embodying the kindness that defined Patrick Key’s legacy. Patrick Key’s wife, Priscella, attended the event where her husband’s legacy lives on through Cobb’s devoted art educators and the students they inspire. 

Interactive Art Experiences for All 

Beyond the exhibits and competitions, the festival provided hands-on art experiences for all ages. Community art-making stations invited attendees to design buttons, create artist trading cards, and contribute to collaborative artwork, reinforcing the idea that art is a shared and evolving experience. 

Cobb’s Creativity Lives On 

As the festival came to a close, the spotlight shined on the incredible student artists and the dedicated teachers who nurture their creativity. Many of these works now hang in homes across Cobb, serving as daily reminders of the talent that thrives in Cobb Schools. From emerging young artists to the educators who inspire them, the event was a true celebration of artistic expression. 

That’s why Cobb Art Rocks!

For more information about Cobb's Visual Arts Department, email Laura LaQuaglia. To learn more about how to support student success with the Cobb Schools Foundation, click here.