Olney Charter High School students got a taste of the art world this week through a public exhibition of their work at the Olney branch of the Free Library. In collaboration with the North Fifth Street Revitalization Project, the school organized the first public display of student work, varying in media from sculpture to pencil-drawn portraits.
“I think it’s really important to get the kids to realize how important their art is and they really realize that when it’s out of the building,” said Emily Walkiewicz, who teaches art at the school.
The show featured 18 of the best student creations as determined by the school’s six art teachers. With the assistance of various local businesses, including Modern Interior and Design Custom Framing, which provided the frames for the art, the works were displayed for community members.
“There’s a lot of talent and we wanted to create a forum where we could showcase it,” said Melissa Kim, director of North Fifth Street Revitalization Project.
The artwork was judged by three local professional artists, who chose the top three pieces. First place went to senior Sara Lay for her self-portrait in pencil. Lay worked on the piece, which was her first foray into portraiture, during the course of two months.
“I’m pretty excited about it,” Lay said about having her work publicly displayed for the first time.
The exhibit is open at through March 15 at 5501 N. Fifth St.
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