K-12 student art show commemorates America 250 at UC Clermont

The exhibit, which features artwork by more than 800 students from 10 schools, six districts and each grade level across the county, is free and open to the public. The show runs through Saturday, May 23. The projects include individual paintings, drawings, photographs and sculptures, as well as group collages and a large colorful mosaic made with found objects.

“It’s gratifying to see so many students and teachers in our community come together to honor our nation’s founding with their artistic talents,” said Clermont County Commissioner Claire Corcoran. “The detail and creativity of their artwork is an inspiration for all of us.”

The collaborative effort to create the exhibit included art teachers and students from Batavia Elementary, Clermont Northeastern Elementary, McCormick Elementary, Merwin Elementary, Pattison Elementary, Williamsburg Elementary, Bethel-Tate Middle School, Milford Middle School, Bethel-Tate High School and Milford High School. The Clermont County Board of Commissioners and the Clermont County Educational Services Center spearheaded the project. The exhibit was curated by art teachers Jamie Lewis with Bethel-Tate Middle School and Chrissi Hatfield with Williamsburg Elementary.

Nikki Vargas, associate director of marketing and community arts at UC Clermont, provided logistical and other support to make the show possible.

“I am impressed by the incredible artistic talent of teachers and students across our county,” said Vargas. “I can’t wait for our community to experience this exhibit. For more than 30 years, the UC Clermont Gallery has been a hub for fine arts programming in our community. We’re proud to help bring the America 250 celebration to our region.”

The UC Clermont Art Gallery is in Room 140 in the Snyder Building at 4200 Clermont College Drive, Batavia, Ohio, 45103. The gallery is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, the gallery will have extended hours for this exhibit on the following dates:

• Saturday: May 9 & May 23 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 12: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Thursday, May 14: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Monday, May 18: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 20: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

A reception for students, faculty, staff, family and friends of the artists will be held Thursday, May 14, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Featured image at top of artwork by Clermont County K-12 students.