Annual student art show set
More than 2,000 entries will be on display at the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools annual student art show set for this weekend at Salem High School.
The show will take place from 11:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday, May 13 in the cafeteria of Salem High School. The show will feature paintings, portraits and photography along with sculptures, pottery and mixed media works. This is the largest event of the year in the school district, a spokesman said. Students from as young as 5 years old to high school seniors will participate in the event, and having a piece selected for the show provides students with a memorable experience to display their talents to the entire Plymouth Canton Community Schools community, organizers said.
“Over the seven times I've been included in the P-CCS Art Shows, each year has been incredible,” said Gabriella Fava, a senior student-artist in the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park Arts Academy program. “The first three were elementary school entries, all of which my parents have saved and will be displayed at my graduation. But more than that, the show allows me to display my work and get feedback. It's also very exciting for me to see my work surrounded by the work of my classmates.”
Austin Klotz, also a senior in the district Arts Academy program, agreed that being selected for the Art Show means a lot to student-artists: “It was amazing to see the rest of the people that I worked with every day getting the recognition they deserved,” he said.
A panel of professional local artists serving as judges will select the best works in several categories. School district administrators will also act as celebrity jurors who will present “Celebrity Judge Choice” awards, and art teachers will present special award ribbons. The awards will be presented at 3:30 p.m.
“Plymouth-Canton Community Schools is excited to invite our entire community to the 2023 art show so we can celebrate and enjoy the wonderful creativity of our student artists,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Monica L. Merritt said. “P-CCS is committed to ensuring all students have an opportunity to receive a well-rounded education, where they can engage their imagination, explore their creativity, and express themselves through visual art. We are so proud of all our student artists and grateful to them for sharing their talent with our community.”
Visual and Performing Arts Curriculum Coordinator Cathie Williams said art helps students find beauty and think critically about their environment.
“Art gives individuals a voice and allows them to convey meaning and self-expression on a variety of topics, and that's why P-CCS offers art as a pathway to a well-rounded overall education,” Williams said. “Art brings joy and pleasure as it can be a life skill for self-care and personal enjoyment. For young people, art can be a way for them to bring order and organization to their lives.”
