More than 100 friends, family members, teachers, students and college officials gathered at the University of Cincinnati Clermont College Art Gallery on May 14 to celebrate a countywide exhibit commemorating America 250.
The exhibit features original artwork by more than 800 students, from 10 schools, six districts and each grade level across Clermont County. It is free and open to the public through Saturday, May 23.
“It’s gratifying that so many students and teachers in our community have come together to honor our nation’s founding with their artistic talents,” Clermont County Commissioner Claire Corcoran told the crowd.
The projects range from individual paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, group collages and a large colorful mosaic made with found objects.
“This exhibit has provided a great opportunity to connect local students to UC right here in Batavia,” said UC Clermont Dean Jeff Bauer. He also highlighted a new endowed fine arts fund that will help the college expand its role in the local creative community. “We are thrilled to showcase the talent of students in our own backyard and proud to serve as an education and arts hub for our area.”
The collaborative effort to create the exhibit included art teachers and students from Batavia Elementary, Clermont Northeastern Elementary, McCormick Elementary, Merwin Elementary, Pattison Elementary, Williamsburg Elementary, Bethel-Tate Middle School, Milford Middle School, Bethel-Tate High School and Milford High School. Planning started last fall.
“This show is a meaningful part of our initiatives to commemorate America 250,” said Sarah Gleason, Director of Marketing for the Clermont County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“It’s inspiring and fun to see students actively participating in the celebration and helping strengthen Clermont County's connection to this historic anniversary through their art and creativity,” Gleason added, while admiring the large eagle mosaic in the center of the gallery.
The Clermont County Board of Commissioners and the Clermont County Educational Services Center spearheaded the project. Ursula Miller coordinated it.
Nikki Vargas, Associate Director of Marketing & Community Arts at UC Clermont, provided logistical and marketing support to make the show possible.
The exhibit was curated by art teachers Jamie Lewis with Bethel-Tate Middle School and Chrissi Hatfield with Williamsburg Elementary.
In addition to Lewis and Hatfield, teachers whose students participated are:
· Adrian Hawk, Milford High School
· Christopher Luessen, Milford High School
· Tracy Huggins, Milford Middle School
· Mary Cork, Pattison Elementary
· Donna Kroeger, McCormick Elementary
· Jessica Blankenship, Bethel-Tate High School
· Katie Keuffer, Clermont Northeastern Elementary
· Elissa Luther, Batavia Elementary
· Victoria McIntosh, Merwin Elementary
About the UC Clermont Art Gallery and the Exhibit The UC Clermont Art Gallery is in Room 140 in the Snyder Building at 4200 Clermont College Drive, Batavia, Ohio, 45103.
It is free and open to the public Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, the gallery will have extended hours for this exhibit from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 23.
