Hixson High Competes To Win $75,000 For Its Art Department

  • Saturday, April 21, 2018
  • Katie Claiborne

A team of students from Hixson High School has earned a spot in the Top 50 of the nationwide VanCustom Culture competition. A panel of judges selected their work from a submission pool of 500 entries to continue to the public voting phase and a chance to win $75,000 for their art program.

The entry itself is two pairs of Vans shoes. Vans sends out shoes to all the participants, requesting them to create designs fitting two separate prompts. This year’s themes are “Local Flavor” and “Off the Wall”.

For Local Flavor, the Hixson High students decided to highlight iconic sights and symbols of the Greater Chattanooga area. These shoes represent Ruby Falls, Rock City, the Incline Railway, the Choo Choo, Point Park, and cultural icons like the Delta Queen and the Cherokee water spider. The Tennessee River can also be seen coursing over both shoes, bringing them together.

In the Off the Wall design, students built platforms to create a cavern underneath. The cave is lit by fairy lights, making the cast resin crystals gleam. Mushrooms dot the subterranean landscape, and a monster defends his treasures. Moss encircles the trim of the shoes, providing a smooth transition from top to bottom. Living plants are placed inside the shoes, while artificial sprouts pop up near the toe.

Voting opens on April 23 and closes on May 4. Individuals can vote once per day at customculture.vans.com. The team at Hixson appreciates the readers’ support, whether through votes or sharing their story.

Happenings
Author and Affrilachian Storyteller Kelle Jolly To Hold Children's Book Signing, Performance July 20
Author and Affrilachian Storyteller Kelle Jolly To Hold Children's Book Signing, Performance July 20
  • 7/14/2025

Author and Appalachian storyteller Kelle Jolly will visit And Then Books for a book signing and performance event featuring her new book "Lady Fay Ukulele" this coming Sunday at 4 p.m. The free, ... more

Women Of Distinction Names 2025 Honorees
  • 7/14/2025

Since 1993, the Greater Chattanooga area has celebrated the achievements of extraordinary women through the Woman of Distinction Award. This prestigious honor recognizes women who exemplify excellence ... more

HCSO Joins Local And State Law Enforcement In Operation Southern Slow Down July 14-19
  • 7/14/2025

Sheriff Austin Garrett and members of the HCSO joined with law enforcement personnel from Georgia and Tennessee earlier this morning to kick-off the 9th Annual Operation Southern Slow Down speed ... more