Published: April 18, 2008 11:52 am            

Hundreds of Clark County students showcase work at libraries

Instead of having their artwork just displayed on their parent’s refrigerator, hundreds of elementary students from Greater Clark County Schools have their work exhibited where the whole community can come out to appreciate it.

Art teachers from each of the corporation’s 12 elementary schools picked the best work created by their students and submitted it for two art shows, which are at Charlestown and Jeffersonville public libraries.

“Our goal is to make them proud of what they’ve done and build their self-esteem,” said Charlotte Perin, art teacher at Parkwood Elementary School.

Students said it did just that.

“When I saw my work at the library I felt really proud of myself, because I did something good enough to be displayed somewhere,” Mackenzie Blackwell, 11, said.

“It’s really cool, because it’s good to know someone picked out my artwork to be shown to all these other people,” Jada Haleem, 10, said.

About 300 pieces of art are on display at the Jeffersonville location and another nearly 100 are at the Charlestown location.

The works include drawings, ceramics, collages, clay, quilling and more.

Perin said the art show has been a tradition for many years with the elementary schools. It started as a way to celebrate National Youth Art Month, which is in March. However, this year schools needed more time to collect enough pieces for the shows.

She said the art show is something that appeals to people of all ages.

“I think people should go to see the art show first of all, because the artwork is really good and second, just to see how talented these kids really are,” Perin said.

The shows will be open through April 29.

        

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