Wheatmore High School’s art department has some fancy shoes, so fancy that they were selected as one of the top 20 entries to the VANS Custom Culture Contest out of more than 300 schools.

High school art classes were invited by VANS to submit designs for a shoe customization contest. VANS is a surf and skate footwear maker in southern California.

Four pairs of white VANS tennis shoes were sent to the school and hand painted by upper level art students. Students Sarah Yow, Krista Keith, Paige Pletcher, Victoria O’Daniel and Casey Queen worked on the four pairs of white sneakers, painting them to represent the theme, “Be bold, be yourself,” in four categories: art, music, action sports and street fashion.

“Even though we know of the artistic talent at Wheatmore High, it is great to get noticed nationally!” said art teacher Amy Stewart. “We did not win the competition, but I am so proud of our students, teachers and community for all of their support.”

Wheatmore High School placed third in the southeast region with 3,817 out of 16,741 votes. Voting took place April 16-18.

The shoes will be on display at the Archdale Public Library from April 23 to May 7.