The 13th annual 'Art is Cool' program was hosted at Mannington Mills' headquarters on Tuesday, May 12.

Started in 2003 by Keith Campbell, Mannington's chairman, the program recognizes Salem County, N.J., high school students who exhibit talent in the arts. About 100 students, along with their parents and art teachers, attended the event.

“Mannington makes floors, and floors are art," said Cambell. "It’s a fashion business; it takes a special eye, a special way of looking at things, to be successful. And we recognize that it takes talent and hard work to create any kind of art. We salute you for your talent, and for pursuing what you love.”

According to the company, winners were chosen from each grade level in each of the five Salem County high schools: Salem, A.P. Schalick, Penns Grove, Pennsville and Woodstown.

The Best of Show award went to Grace Carpenter of A.P. Schalick High School in Pittsgrove, N.J. Her work, “Best Friends” is one in a series of 13 portraits of her dog, which she created for her final senior project.

“Mannington’s commitment to education and the arts is important to this community,” said Betsy Amoroso, senior director of marketing and corporate communications. “In a time when many of these programs are being cut from schools, we feel a responsibility to continue to reinforce how vital they are.”

For more information, visit mannington.com.