State of the Arts, Celebrating High School Art Teachers

Photo courtesy of: artistPatricia Boone, “Distraction,” clay, underglaze, 2018.

The Ohio University School of Art + Design presents a juried selection of art from visual art educators across the state in Ohio University’s sixth annual “State of the Arts” exhibition, on view Sept. 18– Oct. 8, in the Ohio University Art Gallery, Seigfred Hall, Athens.

This year’s exhibition includes a spectrum of creative practice, and work from artists hailing from cities across the state. Representing a growing network of high school art teachers currently working in Ohio, “State of the Arts” provides a unique platform for recognizing the professionalism, diversity, and clear commitment to art found throughout the state.

We are pleased to announce a new twist to this annual show. Selected high school teachers were invited to choose one of their best students to exhibit next to their work in the gallery.

“The teachers really rose to the occasion presenting their students’ work,” Gallery Coordinator Courtney Kessel said. “Many indicated how thrilled they were to show the student artwork. We hope that the teachers and their students can attend the reception on Sept. 27 to see how great the works look together.”

Artists were invited to submit up to three works for consideration. The pieces featured in the exhibition were selected by Kessel and include approximately 47 works, including paintings, drawings, photographs, prints, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media pieces.

The School of Art + Design is the only school in Ohio that supports this type of exhibition geared towards high school teachers.

"We at the School of Art + Design are grateful to all high school art teachers for their dedicated efforts in mentoring and training the next generation. It is from the energy these teachers put towards cultivating courage and curiosity, imagination and independent thinking, that motivates many students choose to pursue careers in the arts,” said Julie Dummermuth, director of the School of Art + Design. “Not only do we wish to celebrate this critical role, we wish to acknowledge the value of their own work and the impact it continues to have."

The School of Art + Design will host a reception in conjunction with a lecture by OHIO alumnus and 2018 Guggenheim fellow Craig Drennen on Thursday, Sept. 27. The lecture will be across the hall in Mitchell Auditorium from 4 to 5 p.m. with the school’s “Welcome Back Celebration” happening on the 5th floor from 5 to 8 p.m. Drennen selected the awards for the “State of the Arts” exhibition and will announce his selections at 6 p.m. in the Ohio University Art Gallery.

The exhibition can be viewed in the Ohio University Art Gallery in Seigfred Hall 536, from Sept. 18 until Oct. 8, with open gallery hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday.

This College of Fine Arts event is made possible through support from Arts for OHIO.