The Mid-Ohio Valley is full of talented artists of all ages and a new exhibit at Riverside Artists Gallery will show that talent to the community.
The exhibit features works submitted by ninth- through 12th-grade students from Williamstown, Marietta, Fort Frye, Belpre, Parkersburg, Parkersburg South and Wood County Christian schools. The art is in various mediums, including watercolor, oil, papier mache, acrylic and charcoal and photography, and will be displayed through the end of April.
"We are really impressed by the caliber and talent of young local artists," said Betsy Cook, a member of the Gallery. "We have had a really good response and hope to make it an annual event."
Article Photos
ERIN O’NEILL The Marietta Times
Debbie Dick, a watercolor artist with Riverside Artists Gallery, adjusts a papier mache mask, which is part of a display of student artwork to be displayed through April.
The opening of the exhibit will be Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the gallery at 291 Second St. An awards ceremony will be held at 7 p.m.
"Thanks to a grant from the Stanton W. Brock Art Discovery Fund through the Marietta Community Foundation, we will be able to award prizes," Cook said. First place will be awarded $75, second will be given $50, third will be given $25 and honorable mention will be given $15.
One of the students who will have her work displayed was also approached to participate in the High School Membership Program through the gallery.
"I thought is was kind of cool (to be approached) to have it put up," said Jessica Walters, 16, a junior at Williamstown High School, whose photographs are available for sale as well as in the exhibit.
Walters says she takes photos as a hobby and seeks inspiration in random, everyday things.
"I just have a G.E. camera that was cheap - I bought it with my own money - and I use my mom's computer to edit. But I'll photograph something if it looks cool or sometimes I'll go online for an idea," she said.
Of the 50 to 60 participants, nine are students of Scott Bookman, an art teacher at Williamst-own.
"I wanted the students to do this to get exposure," Bookman said. "I think it's important for people to know the amount of talent we have in this area."
Bookman is also an avid photographer and Walters said he has helped her learn the technicalities of photography.
"I feel very strongly about people expressing themselves creatively," he said. "It's no secret that arts are being deprived in schools because of budgets."
Bookman added that he hopes several of the students will attend Friday night's opening, which will include refreshments and entertainment from "High Schools That Rock," student musicians under the direction of Marietta teacher Mark Doebrich.
If you go
What: Mid-Ohio Valley High School Student Art Show.
Where: Riverside Artists Gallery, 291 Second St., Marietta.
When: Opens Friday, 6 to 9 p.m., and runs through the end of April. An awards ceremony will take place at 7 p.m Friday.
Details: Students from all over Washington and Wood counties will have their works displayed. Works are in a variety of mediums. Monetary prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places and honorable mention.
For information: Riverside Artists Gallery, 376-0797.
