By Emily Enfinger | The Selma Times-Journal

Back in October, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts made final call on art submissions for its “Transformations: Tools and Art” show.

Students from kindergarten through high school were encouraged to submit works that transformed utilitarian tools into objects of beauty as part of an exhibition connection to “ReTooled: Highlights from the Hechinger Collection.”

When the exhibit finally opened on Nov. 7, it included work from Morgan Academy eighth grader Maddy Hope. More than 200 students submitted art for the exhibit. Just 51 pieces were chosen, including Hope’s drawing “Raptor Trade Squad.”

“I want to give credit and appreciation to these people who don’t have the most glamorous job in the world, like construction workers,” Hope said.

Her drawing features four raptors, each holding a gold tool representing a different trade such as a sledgehammer, loppers, pliers, a paintbrush and pallet. In the center of the drawing is a Tyrannosaurus Rex with screwdriver teeth and saw hands.

“I love to draw pictures full of meaning,” Hope said.

She used various drawing techniques including pointillism, a technique using distinct dots, which she used to blend colors.

“I love to do the detail. You can’t just tell me to do something basic, I have to do the shading, the everything,” she said.

Hope wanted to represent these trades because without them society would struggle.

“They’re important, they still create a masterpiece so I wanted to signify that,” Hope said.

She is self-taught, learning her skills from copying images and watching art related videos on YouTube and practicing for as long as she can remember.

“I’ve drawn ever since I could use a pencil,” Hope said.

“Transformations: Tools and Art” will be available for viewing at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts until Jan. 3, 2016. Admission is open and free to the public.

For more information about visiting hours at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, visit www.mmfa.org.