Artwork created by local school students, as well as some of their teachers, is brightening the Gilmer Arts Gallery in a Youth Art Month exhibit that will be up through the end of March.
“We are so proud of these kids! We were not able to give them a reception with current state COVID-19 guidelines, but their art will be judged and winners will be announced. We will also feature a few each day so that they get the notice and recognition they deserve.” noted Pam Burns, gallery manager.
Youth art is on display in the gallery’s spacious Hawthorne Hall, while the gallery’s front area features pieces by local teachers and faculty members who were invited to display their art as part of the annual exhibit.
“There are some very talented teachers in our schools. We are exhibiting quilts, acrylics, pastels, chalk, pottery, beading, photography, wood burning, rock painting and fly tying. There is even a 3D piece that pays homage to Harry Potter,” said Burns.
This year, the artistic talents of local students are displayed in a colorful array of drawings, paintings, collages, sketches, clay sculptures and mixed media pieces.
Two Gilmer High School students, Nick Kent and Cainan Davis, entered a unique creation, a metal pirate ship they made as a project for their agricultural mechanics class.
Teacher Mike Bushey said the students used scrap metal to make the ship.
“Every semester, we do a unit on metal artwork. They have to come up with a unique idea and that was a pretty neat project. We’ve had some really nice stuff the kids have made over the years,” he added.
The exhibit is open for public viewing Tuesday-Saturday, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The downtown Ellijay gallery is located at 207 Dalton Street.
“We invite you to bring your child to see their peers’ and teachers’ art,” Burns noted.
Each child who visits the gallery this month will also receive a goodie bag.
“We do ask that the public honors current social distancing guidelines,” Burns added.