The community is invited May 4 to see works by young artists throughout Bradford Area School District.
That’s when the student art exhibit will take place: from 6 to 8 p.m. in the KOA Gallery in Blaisdell Hall at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
It’s a continuation of an artistic spring for the district, which is holding a separate art event today at Floyd C. Fretz Middle School — its fourth annual Autism Awareness Auction. Doors open at 5 p.m., and a silent auction will take place from 6 to 7 p.m.
The districtwide exhibit in May will be a chance for artistic students to share what they’ve been working on all year.
For some students, “This is their area of expertise, and this is their chance to shine,” said Janelle Turk, art teacher at Bradford Area High School, who talked about this year’s show on behalf of the district’s art teachers. “We have some very, very talented kids up here.”
In fact, the event has something to offer everyone involved, said Becky Hunter, art teacher at School Street Elementary School.
“Our students get to see what it is like to participate in something that is all-inclusive, not just a display of work from their classroom or their school but across the district,” Hunter said. “The All Schools Art show is an eclectic collection of works across mediums, sizes and subjects that is always wonderful to experience for all ages of students, for their parents and for the members of our community.”
She is grateful the students give their permission to showcase their art for the community to see.
Along with the regular exhibit, several students have also donated artwork that will be used to raise money for a good cause, Turk said.
The donated pieces will be sold at auction to raise money for the Honor Flight program, which organizes trips for veterans to see the war memorials in Washington, D.C. McKean County veterans will take part in an Honor Flight on May 6.
District Superintendent Katharine Pude has been a strong advocate for bringing the Honor Flight program to the Bradford area.
Tickets will be sold near the pieces that are for sale, and the winners picked at the end of the exhibit opening will be contacted.
Additionally, there will be an interactive art table for families with young children where they will be able to make an art piece using different manipulatives, Turk said. She added that student volunteers — including members of the National Arts Honor Society — will help run the auction, interactive table and refreshment table. The school’s cafeteria staff will provide refreshments.
The community is invited to stop in and see the products of the students’ imaginations, and there will be a guest book for people to sign when they stop in. The book will be there the whole time the student art exhibit is open, from May 4 to 17. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
“Last year it was great to see the community support, with people lined up at the door,” said Turk. “I just thought that was awesome.”
As for the gallery exhibit, Turk said approximately 40 pieces per school will be on display.
In addition to artwork by Turk’s and Hunter’s students, the exhibit will include pieces by Danielle Fesenmyer’s students at Floyd C. Fretz Middle School and Amy Krepp’s students at George G. Blaisdell Elementary School.
“There’s all sort of different work represented,” said Turk, who explained that types of art will include paintings, sculptures, drawing, batik and more. “It’s our chance in the art department to show the progression from K to 12 in our school.”
Hunter agreed.
“It is amazing when you can see firsthand the transition of abilities, interests and techniques that this unique format offers,” she said. “This art show also allows students to take pride in their artistic efforts, to meet other artists, discuss their works and to see what is in their future if they continue to work hard and improve their artistic skills.”
Both Turk and Hunter noted that the district’s strong art department is possible because of the support from administrators, the school board and staff.
Also showing support is Patty Colosimo, coordinator of arts programming at Pitt-Bradford, who helps the district organize the show at the university, Turk said.
“We are so fortunate to have such a grand arena for our students to use right here in Bradford at the KOA Gallery,” said Hunter. “This All Schools Art Show is such a fantastic opportunity for our students to be able to have their art displayed in an art gallery, at a university campus, along with works by their peers from preschool to grade 12.”
At each level, the students have a different focus for their work.
The youngest students, who attend GGB, learned about famous artists, Krepp said.
“At GGB, our students have been busy creating art projects incorporating science, technology, engineering and math,” she said. “The art show will feature works from our pre-K, kindergarten, first, and second grade students.
“We will also have some art pieces inspired by famous artists, such as Claude Monet, Georgia O’Keeffe and Andy Warhol,” she added.
Meanwhile, the oldest students at the high school are expressing more abstract ideas and using the experience to help them with their futures.
“I think it’s definitely a resume-building experience for some of our older students, to be able to show their artwork in an actual gallery,” Turk said.
Among the high school students participating will be Morgan Whitlow, who is Turk’s first student in Advanced Placement Studio Art.
“She’ll have several pieces featured at the show,” Turk said of Morgan, adding, “I’m really excited to see how people react to her work. She will be there, too.”
In fact, the young artists were invited to attend to meet with the crowd.
Turk explained that several of the senior students worked within a concentration this year, focusing on a specific theme or topic, such as environmentalism or women’s rights. There will be artist concentration tags next to those works to identify them to visitors.
“There’s a lot of meaning and depth behind the pieces in the show this year,” she said.
