Avery Hatchett makes a name for himself in the art arena

Avery Hatchett, 14, is like any other ball playing, fish wielding youth in Destin, but he holds one more attribute that sets him apart.

Avery’s flair for sculpting and painting has marked his final year at Destin Middle School with artistic triumph. His ability to create a work of art on the fly has earned him recognition at the Okaloosa County School District Art Show in April and the 18th Annual Florida Junior Beta Club Convention in December.

In his modest demeanor, Avery described the copper and aluminum wire tricycle sculpture that has been the big hit for the teen. The piece took only three days and a little bit of imagination.

In the final days leading up to the convention, the Beta club members at DMS still needed an art exhibit to represent them in the Arts and Crafts Sweepstakes competition. Art teacher Michelle Castle urged Avery to put his talent to work and produce the award winning piece.
“American Muscle,” as the sculpture was dubbed for its entry at the convention, took home second place. Other entries came from all over the state of Florida.

“I looked online for ideas and thought the tricycle would be cool,” Avery said. “I added the Red White and Blue to go with the freedom theme.”

The school district art show sponsored by the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation is perhaps what brought Avery’s talent to full scope when superintendent Dr. Alexis Tibbetts presented him with the Best of Show award after judges decided that, out of about 3,500 entries in all categories, his wire sculpture stood out the most.

The wire tricycle also received first place in the 3-D Art category in the middle school division.
Sculpting in the more traditional sense is also one of Avery’s gifts. He received a second place ribbon at the art show for a clay teapot that sits on a base with four spiderlike legs.

“The teapot was a school assignment,” Avery said nonchalantly.

It goes to show that some of Avery’s art is for function, and some he simply paints for his own enjoyment. His favorite art is his fish paintings.

“I have about fifteen fish paintings,” he said. “I love to fish.”

Two of these prime paintings also won ribbons at the art show. An oil pastel acrylic depiction of a mahi mahi won Avery third place and a watercolor marlin again made him a first place winner.

“I did the dolphin and the marlin in two or three school days,” he said.

Avery began receiving encouragement to be an artist at an early age when his 4th grade teacher Patty Carr at Destin Elementary told him that he should attend the after school art program.

“The after school program was with the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation,” he said. “They had pottery, painting, colored pencils and other kinds.”
When he is not making art for competitions, Avery enjoys sharing his talent with friends and family by drawing birthday and Christmas cards.
Avery, headed to Fort Walton Beach High School to begin the 9th grade, is taking the summer off from his art to practice for the junior varsity baseball team and catch some fish.

Parents Kent and Lisa Hatchett, a consultant and homemaker, are proud of their son for his many achievements this year.

“He was just given the Optimistic Award for being captain of the swim team and maintaining A/B honor roll,” Lisa said. “We are so proud!”

As for Avery’s artistic flair, Lisa also says it inspires her as a mother.

“I see the energy and the spirit that he puts into it.”