As a grade-school student, I never looked forward to art class. While my classmates enjoyed the respite from reading, writing, and math, I broke out in a cold sweat at the idea of doing somethin
g creative. Attempting to draw the suggested animal or holiday scene was a struggle for me, unlike my classmates who eagerly finished their assignments to have them proudly hung around the room. My talents ran more to appreciating the work of others. Perhaps I was destined to be a curator from birth!
The annual Student Art Exhibition is a delightful reminder of those classroom experiences without the stress. As I install more than 150 artworks from students in grades five through eight, I am amazed – as I am every year – by the array of talent on view.
How fortunate students in north central Wisconsin are to have strong art programs at every grade level taught by art educators who respect the basics while keeping their curriculum fresh and current.
Take a pleasurable jaunt through the South Galleries where you may encounter 
wild jungle scenes, fruit still lifes, and portraits of everything from 
cartoon characters to family pets. No matter the subject, each artwork demonstrates students expressing themselves using line, color, shape, pattern, texture, design and, most important, their inventiveness and imagination.
Two receptions to celebrate all this talent take place on Thursday, March 12, from 4 – 6:30 pm and Saturday March 14, from 1 – 3 pm. Stop in to congratulate our young participants and support their creativity.
