Each year, Owensville High School (OHS) art students are presented with a simple challenge by art teacher Mrs. Jessie Bayless: “Empty this pen.”
At first glance, it sounds easy, but those who have taken on the “Empty the pen” challenge quickly learn it’s anything but simple. Students are given a single brand-new pen and a blank sheet of paper, and their mission is to use every drop of ink on creatively. Whether through intricate drawings, abstract designs, or expressive lettering, the goal is to empty the pen while creating a finished piece of art.
For many students, the process tested their creativity and endurance.
“This process wasn’t necessarily a daunting challenge for me, but it certainly was tiring,” said Piper Koelling, a sophomore artist. “It required a lot of patience, time, and focus. Although it took up a lot of my time, it was nice to see the final product come out the way I envisioned.”
Koelling explained that her inspiration came from both the challenge and the medium itself.
“My thought process for this piece of art was to get the image I wanted, but also to empty an entire pen,” Koelling said. “I wanted this artwork to capture attention. As you see in my art, there is a large tree in the center. I paid close attention to my artwork to make sure it stood out.”
Another artist, Molly Emke, shared a similar enthusiasm for the challenge but from a more spontaneous perspective.
“The project wasn’t daunting for me,” Emke said. “I enjoy challenges, and I have a passion for drawing. I enjoyed the entire process.”
Emke was asked to elaborate on her creative approach.
“I don’t often have a thought process when I draw, nor do I often use inspiration,” Emke said. “I just love drawing, and that’s my favorite style to do. It’s fun and freeing.”
The artists who completed the challenge this year are as follows, in order from advanced to accomplished: Becca Gray, Haley Boland, Kaitlyn Lange, Leah Hays, Molly Emke, Novalie Schatzler, Annalise Dryer, Bria Schreiber, Jayden Hubbard, Story Stahl, Peyton Hussey, Violet LaValle, Cambell Schulte, Baylee Tumbrink, Eva Sanchez, Lexi Manning, Amelya Curtman, Shae Abernathy, Kira Politle, Halley Bracks, Madi Pigg, Lucy Greunke and Piper Koelling.
“It's grown in popularity, and artists from outside of our art classes even joined in this year. I am proud of the finished empties! Great job, artists,” Bayless said.
