WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Area residents can view examples of the talent possessed by those who teach art classes at area school districts during a special exhibit Dec. 2-11 on the mezzanine at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St.
Entitled “Before They Were Teachers, They Were Artists,” this free exhibit is being hosted by the University/Community Programs (U/CP) Department at Missouri State University-West Plains. Artwork can be viewed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. weekends.
The collaborative collection will feature works by 13 area educators who teach students from elementary age through college, said U/CP Theater and Events Coordinator Deborah DeWitt. They include Kelli Albin, Dora Schools; Michelle Carlson and Dawn King, both of Glenwood School; Felicia Combs, Mtn. View Elementary School; Jamie Dixon, Jane Hale and Rhonda Richter, all of West Plains R-7 School District; Lisa Johnson, Fair View School; Sonya Jones, Richards School; Jamie Pendergrass, Bakersfield Schools; Karen Pitts, Willow Springs R-4 School District; and Alice Vandergriff and Barbara Williams, both of Missouri State-West Plains.
“I’m excited about being in the exhibit and having the opportunity to see what other art educators are creating,” Combs said.
Albin agreed. “We get to see what the students do on a regular basis, but it will be nice to see what art work other teachers like to do,” she said.
“I am looking forward to the fellowship and to marvel at all the talents,” King added.
The idea for the exhibit was inspired by the annual “Art Around Town” exhibit, which features artwork created by students in kindergarten through eighth grade, DeWitt said. “It occurred to me these talented young artists were the result of dedicated art educators who had passed on their talents and skills to their students. After polling the teachers, I found out all of them had artwork to display and were thrilled with the opportunity to participate in a group art exhibit. This event will be an opportunity for area residents to thank these teachers for showing their children how to appreciate the beauty of art,” she explained.
“It shows great dedication when, in addition to career and family, our teachers still find the time to be in top form artistically,” Richter said. “The civic center exhibition is validating for our teachers and educational for our area students.”
“I am looking forward to viewing the artwork created by my fellow artists and educators,” added Johnson. “I hope our community and our students enjoy looking at our artwork. Hopefully, this show will encourage our students to work hard and develop their talents, as well.”
A special “Meet the Artists” reception will be held 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, on the civic center mezzanine. Everyone is welcome to attend, visit with the artists and enjoy some dessert, DeWitt said.
For more information about the exhibit and reception, contact the U/CP Department office at 417-255-7966.
THIS STUNNING PHOTO OF A ROSE was taken by Kelli Albin, an art teacher at Dora School. It is one of the pieces that will be exhibited as part of the area art teachers exhibit being hosted by Missouri State University-West Plains’ University/Community Programs (U/CP) Department Dec. 2-11 on the mezzanine at the West Plains Civic Center. (Photo provided)