WCC art exhibit features local students’ works

By: Grace Crandall
Staff Writer

Mushroom forests and cardboard grapefruit. Aliens and elderly dogs. These are just a few of the creations on display in the Morris Lawrence building’s art gallery.

From now until Friday, Feb. 24, the gallery is hosting the Michigan Art Education Association (MAEA) Region 3 Art Show, which features the art of local students grades K-12. There are over 100 pieces on exhibit, featuring both 2-D and 3-D art.

The exhibit features works made with paint and oil pastels, pen and graphite pencil. Among the self-portraits and painted bowls of fruit lie creations of glazed donuts and clay cups. Each piece features a statement from the artist, explaining the journey and inspiration behind their work.

Broken into 18 regions, students from all over the state of Michigan can submit their artwork to be featured in local shows, as well as enter a state competition. Students must submit their work through a MAEA member.

Region 3 comprises students from Jackson, Washtenaw, Lenawee, and Monroe counties. The art on display was judged in late January, and the results will be announced at a reception Feb. 24. From there, the selected pieces will be taken to Lansing for the state competition in March.

State winners will have their pieces displayed at the University of Michigan gallery this spring. Various award categories include Top 100 and Top 18. Likewise, the Department of Education selects some pieces to display in its department building for the year.

This is WCC’s first time partnering with the MAEA to display local students’ creations. The MAEA reached out to WCC in 2022 to see if the college would be interested in displaying the show, after hearing about the new art gallery.

“We reached out about the space, and the eagerness and helpfulness of WCC made us ultimately call the space home this year,” said Krickett Chamberlain, liaison for the Region 3 Art Show. Chamberlain’s role places her in charge of finding the location of the annual show, as well as encouraging teachers to join the MAEA.

Prior to this exhibit, there have been two shows featured in the new art gallery, displaying art from WCC students and staff.

“It was a natural fit for the third exhibit to have a community focus,” said Sarah Gaynier, art gallery director at WCC. “WCC is honored to have been chosen for this year’s event.”

Founded in 1949, the MAEA began with the intent of connecting art educators to provide better tools for teaching and learning. Since then it has become one of the largest state art organizations in the country, providing resources and exposure for teachers and students alike. One of these resources is the annual Region Art Show, which allows their works to be viewed by a greater amount of the community.

“The art show is a chance for both student artists and MAEA to highlight the amazing work happening in our area,” said Gaynier. “It also provides…community building opportunity by engaging in new and insightful artwork. WCC is excited to play a small part in their art journey.”

The exhibit is free and open to the public. The gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and on weekends during special events.

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