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Canfield artists compete in Iron Crafter competition
Photo
Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Canfield students Rachel Mikolay (left) Elise Huzjak, Marisa Rothbauer, and Nathalie McClune created a Dr. Seuss-themed project for Boardman Pat Catan's Iron Crafter competition on April 28.
By SARAH FOOR
Artistic ninth- through 12th-graders gathered at Boardman Pat Catan’s on April 28 to test their creative skills in the store’s eighth annual Iron Crafter competition.
Based on the popular Food Network show “Iron Chef,” Pat Catan’s management changed the game to test the students to create an artistic project in a limited amount of time with little resources.
When students from Canfield, Austintown, Boardman, Struthers, Cardinal Mooney and Western Reserve high schools arrived at the event, they were given a theme of “cake wars.” Their secret ingredient, which had to be featured prominently in the piece, was wire mesh.
The students were provided a box of basic art supplies and tools, and given a $25 gift card to buy any additional products. The teams had two hours to bring their vision to life.
Pat Catan’s employee Christine Pavuk, who helped plan the event, said the Iron Crafter competition is a joy for the store to plan.
“Every year, it’s so wonderful to see what they create. There are many ways to celebrate sports and other school activities, but celebrating kids being creative is something a little unique. Seeing what they come up with under pressure is very interesting,” she said.
Canfield crafters said they were inspired by the bright colors of their mesh to create a Dr. Seuss-themed cake.
“We’re trying to wow the judges with all-out techniques. We’re creating characters and height, and having one of our team members crochet a Cat in the Hat,” explained teammate Rachel Mikolay.
Each student received a $25 gift certificate to the store for participating. However, the Austintown crafters ran away with the first-place prize of a trophy and a $100 gift certificate that is headed to the Fitch Art Department.