It's Elementary
Elementary school-aged artists will have the opportunity to win a juried competition hosted by the Associated Artists of Butler County.
More than 200 entries have been received for the Butler County Elementary Art Exhibit, said Jesse Allen, a sixth-grade teacher at Emily Brittain Elementary School who is also an award-winning photographer and a member of the AABC board of directors.
Children are invited to attend the opening night reception and awards ceremony from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday.
“We want the artists there,” Allen said.
The artwork will be on display through March 29.
The show was Allen's brainchild. He was inspired by the art he saw hanging on the walls at Emily Brittain.
“I think elementary art should be fun,” Allen said. “It gives the kids the chance to express themselves.”
He believes children see the world differently than adults do. For example, a drawing of a person might include a very big head and skinny legs, a result that reflects more than just skill level.
“Children have a different perception,” he said.
They might actually view an adult's face as their most outstanding feature, he said.
Allen, who has been a teacher for 18 years, said creative arts allow children to use their imagination more than other activities do.
“It's a really important thing for them to do,” Allen said. “It's natural for them. They love to sit around and draw and color.”
Awards to be handed out Friday evening will include free AABC memberships and ribbons for first, second and third places in painting, drawing, photography, mixed media and sculpture categories.
Allen said the show may expand next year, or an exhibit for middle school or junior high school students may be added.
An art exhibit for county high school students is planned for April 26 through May 3.
<B>WHO: </B>Associated Artists of Butler County<B>WHAT: </B>Butler County Elementary Art Exhibit<B>WHEN: </B>Friday through March 29. Gallery hours are noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays.<B>WHERE: </B>The Art Center, 344 S. Main St.<B>ADMISSION: </B>Free<B>INFO: </B>724-283-6922 or www.aabcArtCenter.com
