News Briefs
Jackson County student art on display at Hunter Library
A display of artwork by Jackson County students that started out at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center in April has moved to Hunter Library for an extended run through July 31.
WCU students Shannan Mashburn and Miles Olson check out the youth art exhibit at Hunter Library.
The exhibit was originally created to celebrate Youth Art Month. More than 40 of the works were awarded prizes. The winners were selected by WCU art education students along with Fine Art Museum staff members.
“We’re delighted that this wonderful exhibit has come to the library and our patrons will have the opportunity to enjoy the works for several months,” said Alessia Zanin-Yost, chair of the library’s exhibits committee. “Making and being exposed to art develops critical thinking skills, multicultural awareness, communication skills and visual and information literacies. Having this exhibit in the library fits our mission to support teaching and learning and to develop lifelong learners.”
Youth Art Month has been celebrated since 1976. Western Carolina University began hosting a local event in 1988. This year’s participating schools and art teachers included Cullowhee Valley School (Penelope Gobar), Blue Ridge School (Autumn Hall), Fairview Elementary School (Leigh Ayling), Summit Charter School (Leslie Rosenberg), Smoky Mountain High School (Gayle Woody and Ben Cook), Scotts Creek School (Barbara Wilkes), Smokey Mountain Elementary School (Jennifer Dahl) and Jackson County School of Alternatives (Kansas Heiskell).
The exhibit is located on the main floor corridor of the library next to Java City. For library hours, visit the website at www.wcu.edu/library. For more information, contact Zanin-Yost, research and instruction librarian and fine arts liaison at 828-227-3398 or zaniny@wcu.edu.
