Supporting MCSD Art Department
Above are the 2016 & 2017 free framing winners.
The Marshalltown Community School District's Student Art Show is open to the public at the Fisher Community Center until the end of March. Every year artwork from kindergartners through seniors in high school is featured through the month of March. There is a great variety and a lot of talent to be seen. I pick out three pieces of artwork to frame for free, one from Lenihan Intermdiate, Miller Middle School and the High School.
My reasons why I created this award program:
1) students are encouraged to progress with their artistic endeavors (collaboration with teachers is key in this aspect) and the chosen students were not awarded in any other way for their artwork
2) honoring the artwork so students/parents see the artwork as "frame worthy" - not just stuck to a refrigerator with a magnet where the artwork deteriorates quickly
3) the older students are part of the framing process - they learn how framing is designed and completed
4) Fisher Community Center/the Chamber of Commerce has a rotating display of "emerging" artists with signage attributing the work to the MCSD students
5) in the end, the students receive free framing
This is one way I attempt to support local arts education.
A sample of ceramics produced by high school artists.
Another effort is an ongoing display of MHS Ceramic Student works that are available at the shop. The suggested donation is $10 per piece, but any donation is appreciated. There's always a great varietyand you can see the personality and humor coming through their art.
My last effort is a collaboration with the Marshalltown High School Art Department. Every year we host Artists for Education Silent Auction. A call for donations is sent out to former MHS students, local and regional artists. We display everything at the shop with all proceeds going to the MHS Art Department. Some of the funds are used to host a guest artist. This year we will have a kick off event Thursday, April 19 to welcome this year's Art Department's guest artist, George Lowe, reveal all the silent auction items and the bidding will begin. Mr. Lowe will stay only a few days, but the silent auction will continue till Thursday, May 10th.
I am continually impressed by the district art teachers. These devoted few deserve all the help they can get. If I can encourage and raise a little money, than I'm willing to do what I can!
