While Ohio University proudly showcases the artistic talents of students in a variety of venues, a very special campus exhibit highlights the talents of a different group of students -- kindergartners through high school seniors.
The College of Education will host an Art Extravaganza and Silent Auction from 6 to 8 p.m. next Thursday in the first-floor gallery of McCracken Hall.
The vision of Dean Renee Middleton, the exhibit showcases the work of area students from Athens High School, Meigs County Middle School and Chauncey, Chieftain, Hocking Hills and Morrison elementary schools. The students' work has been on display in McCracken since spring.
"I wanted to bring the community into the College of Education," Middleton said. "I like art, and I like museums, and I started noticing kids' artwork in places like the airport and museums. I thought, 'Why can't I bring kids' artwork into the College of Education?'"
"The College of Education serves the state and the nation and even internationally," she said. "But we also have an obligation not to forget about southeastern Ohio. We are the institution for this region."
Each year, the college will invite schools from different counties, until all 29 counties of Appalachia have been asked to participate, Middleton said. The current exhibit features the work of students who attend schools in Athens, Meigs and Hocking counties.
Hosts President Roderick J. McDavis and Middleton will welcome the artists, their families and members of the university and Athens communities. Paintings, photographs, drawings and prints by more than 20 artists will be auctioned throughout the course of the evening. Proceeds will be split evenly between the artist and their school's art program.
"It is my desire that the art show and silent auction will receive generous support from the community as it serves as a major fundraising opportunity with proceeds going to assist the school and the student artist," said Tamala Solomon, the college's director of alumni relations and events.
Solomon, who is coordinating the evening, already is planning for the next exhibit. Calls for entries will go out this month, and winners will be announced during a gala event in McCracken Hall in April.
Middleton said she is looking forward to Thursday with enthusiasm and pride in the students whose work she has enjoyed daily in the halls of McCracken's first floor.
"I will be happy to see parents, kids and teachers walk through the door with a lot of pride in the work they've done and to see that the community has come together for them," she said. "What better thing, as an educator, than for students to see that their creative energies are valued and appreciated."
