SHELBY — The artistic talent of Shelby students was on display Monday evening, commemorating March as Youth Art Month.
The Shelby Board of Education took time out of their Monday meeting to visit a classroom full of art projects from all grades in Shelby City Schools. The display was part of Youth Art Month, a month of promoting art and art education in the United States.
Assistant Superintendent Paul Walker introduced the exhibit, noting the importance of art education in Shelby.
“We’re really blessed as a community and board to think that our students starting in kindergarten are able to have an art class at least once per week, and through middle school and all the way through high school,” Walker said.
One such student is senior Grace Bihl, who plans on attending Miami University in Oxford this fall to continue her art education.
“Art is what i want to do for the rest of my life, so having art teachers that support you and teach you the basics while also pushing your creativity is just awesome,” Bihl said. “It’s helped me find what I want to do, and I think I can be successful in the future.”
Bihl explained to the Board of Education that Shelby’s art program takes students beyond the walls of Shelby High School. Last spring, a select group of art students traveled to Pittsburgh to visit art exhibits, and this spring will be traveling to New York City to do the same. The students have also visited the Cleveland Art Museum.
Another program the high school art students take part in is mentoring elementary and middle school students through a summer art camp, according to senior Sarah Harding. While Harding plans to major in zoo and conservation science at Otterbein University, she recognizes the importance art has had on her education as a whole.
“I’ve always loved being in art classes because it’s something different,” Harding said. “All your other classes can be so stressful, but when you’re in the art room you can release that stress and display your creativity, and do what you love.”
High school art teacher Patience Lewis explained that art classes teach students skills far beyond just art.
“I think it’s good to try to get them to be problem solvers,” Lewis said. “You can really tell how they think when they solve problems, and it teaches them perseverance and different planning and organizing skills. They also communicate with each other, talking about what each other is doing and getting feedback.”
Students from the entire Shelby Schools district will be represented next month at Artapolooza, an annual celebration of art in education held at the Mid-Ohio ESC Conference Center. The gallery is open to the public at no charge on Tuesday, April 4, Wednesday, April 5, and Thursday, April 6, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Friday, April 7, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The event will include an elaborate student-created art gallery, family art workshops and a reception to honor the artists. For Lewis, the chance for her students to display their work is the most rewarding.
“I really like when they have the art openings, especially if the kids can be there, because they can hear everyone enjoying their artwork,” she said. “And that’s nice because they don’t always hear that.”
