Instead of the normal 2nd Friday fare in Berlin, the action on Feb. 12 will center on a youth art exhibition at the Worcester County Arts Council.
Presented by the Berlin/Ocean City Optimist Club, the 10th annual High School Art Competition and Exhibit went up earlier this month and will remain on display throughout February.
The show features works created by students from the four high schools in the county. Previously, the exhibition was held in Ocean City for one weekend each year.
“For the first time, it’s going to be shown here at the arts council for the whole month,” WCAC Executive Director Anna Mullis said. “We thought that would allow for more exposure for the students’ work.
“I am especially proud, because I am a member of the Optimist Club and it was a privilege to for me to take over the committee of the art contest and coordinate it this year,” she said. “They have a long history of supporting youth programs in the county, and this is one of the programs they offer specifically for high school students.”
Snow Hill, Pocomoke, Stephen Decatur high schools and Worcester Preparatory School were each invited to submit up to 10 paintings or drawings created by students. Local artists Kate Cashman and Karen Letonoff will judge the show, and the Optimist Club will award $1,400 in cash prizes.
Awards will be given for first, second and third place in painting and drawing during the opening reception on Friday, at 6 p.m.
A people’s choice award will also be announced during the opening reception. Voting for that closed on Feb. 10.
For students, the show offers an entire month of exposure, which can be difficult to come by, Mullis said.
“The whole month will really allow the public to stop by and see what the students create,” she said. “I would really like the public to be grateful for wonderful art community that we have, and for the art teachers that inspire these students.
“I am very impressed with the creativity of the students, and I think it’s going to be a fantastic show,” Mullis added. “The quality of work is just wonderful, and it’s really encouraging to see how much work they put into the art.”
The exhibit will be on display through Feb. 29 at the WCAC gallery on 6 Jefferson Street. Hours are Monday-Friday, and some Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Presented by the Berlin/Ocean City Optimist Club, the 10th annual High School Art Competition and Exhibit went up earlier this month and will remain on display throughout February.
The show features works created by students from the four high schools in the county. Previously, the exhibition was held in Ocean City for one weekend each year.
“For the first time, it’s going to be shown here at the arts council for the whole month,” WCAC Executive Director Anna Mullis said. “We thought that would allow for more exposure for the students’ work.
“I am especially proud, because I am a member of the Optimist Club and it was a privilege to for me to take over the committee of the art contest and coordinate it this year,” she said. “They have a long history of supporting youth programs in the county, and this is one of the programs they offer specifically for high school students.”
Snow Hill, Pocomoke, Stephen Decatur high schools and Worcester Preparatory School were each invited to submit up to 10 paintings or drawings created by students. Local artists Kate Cashman and Karen Letonoff will judge the show, and the Optimist Club will award $1,400 in cash prizes.
Awards will be given for first, second and third place in painting and drawing during the opening reception on Friday, at 6 p.m.
A people’s choice award will also be announced during the opening reception. Voting for that closed on Feb. 10.
For students, the show offers an entire month of exposure, which can be difficult to come by, Mullis said.
“The whole month will really allow the public to stop by and see what the students create,” she said. “I would really like the public to be grateful for wonderful art community that we have, and for the art teachers that inspire these students.
“I am very impressed with the creativity of the students, and I think it’s going to be a fantastic show,” Mullis added. “The quality of work is just wonderful, and it’s really encouraging to see how much work they put into the art.”
The exhibit will be on display through Feb. 29 at the WCAC gallery on 6 Jefferson Street. Hours are Monday-Friday, and some Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.