Columbia County libraries held an opening reception on Tuesday evening, March 5, to celebrate the unveiling of student artwork from various grade levels.
Displayed in the Grovetown, Harlem and Columbia County libraries, gallery attendees were invited to witness the many artistic talents within the school district via artwork from kindergarten to 12th grade students.
As parents and grandparents perused and admired many pieces, teachers congratulated students on their creative ideas and visuals.
Featured artwork included paintings, drawings, pottery, 3D models, knitting and more.
“It’s a time to celebrate the kids, their artwork and their creativity. Anytime we can do that and just show the public what these kids are capable of is just an amazing opportunity,” said gallery organizer and River Ridge Elementary School art teacher Courtney Owen. “I am constantly amazed by our 5 to 18 year olds.”
With parents oftentimes not pushing for careers and lessons in art, Owen said she felt the subject and annual gallery gave students a chance for their non-academic gifts to shine, while developing their creativity and problem solving skills.
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“Finding things that are beautiful in the world is what keeps people going. It lets them explore all different avenues,” she said. “It’s amazing to see what’s inside of them and it’s so great to be a part of that.”
Surrounded by depictions of nature, shoes, sports’ balls and more, students took turns smiling for photos and complimenting others’ works, while teachers discussed students’ artistic progress with attending parents.
“When [students] see their stuff on the wall and they see people looking at it, it makes them feel like real artists – and they are,” she said. “That’s a real ‘a-ha’ or ‘yes, I did it’ moment for these kids.”
According to Owen, based on school location, students’ works were divided between the three nearby libraries. Harlem’s library, located at 145 N. Louisville St., will feature pieces from Euchee Creek, North Columbia and North Harlem Elementary School, as well as Harlem Middle and Harlem High School.
Meanwhile, Grovetown’s library, located at 105 Old Wrightsboro Road, will present pieces from Baker Place, Cedar Ridge and Grovetown Elementary, along with Columbia Middle, Grovetown Middle and Grovetown High School.
“I hope this allows the programs at our schools to continue growing … and that we’ll have more community, so we can get more people involved,” Owen said.
In addition to learning expansion, Siobhan Harper, a mother of two participating students, said the “fantastic” gallery also emphasized the community’s interest in local children’s efforts and achievements.
“It lets them see the community supporting them, which is ideal. It’s wonderful and it really brings encouragement to them,” said Harper. “I like the collective effort.”
More importantly, Harper said she believes the gallery reminds parents of the significant role art can play in a student’s life.
“Art in general is an expression of yourself and of being individuals,” she said.
Fellow parent Vanessa Balladares said she thinks community events centered around students not only bolsters unity, but increases art appreciation in the county.
“It promotes togetherness … and we get to see how others express themselves in different ways,” she said.
Through detailed projects and individualism, Balladares also said artistic tasks can help relieve children’s anxieties and extra energy.
While elementary schoolers’ artwork was shown on the top floor of the Columbia County library, middle schoolers’ pieces could be found downstairs – tucked next to Teen Fiction and Graphic Novels.
Seventh grade participant Cameron Myers, who created a detailed painting centered around a bunny, said she often loves to create paintings that feature different furry animals.
“I like the shape and anatomy of a bunny and they’re just really cute to draw,” she said. “I never knew that my art could get to be seen somewhere like this. It makes me feel really appreciated. It feels special.”
Alongside Myers‘ bunny, Van Gogh inspired creations, portraits, 3D food models and pottery were also displayed for audiences to enjoy.
“Being taught art lets us learn more than just memorizing information. You can use your own creativity and you don’t have to follow any set path,” said Myers. “There’s no certain or right answer – it’s about whatever feels right and doing what you want to do. I think that’s really cool.”
Covering windows and walls with creatures, animals, people and landscapes, all three libraries will continue showcasing students’ pieces until March 30.
