Students Showcase Works of Art
by Mary Comstock
December 01, 2009
Putnam County high school students will showcase their talents at an art show December 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event, held in conjunction with the Winter Festival on the Unionville square, will be located in the newly renovated building owned by Ian and Lacey Gilworth. Art on display will include charcoal drawings, lino prints made on homemade paper, oil paintings, silk screens, photo weaving and video art. A Best of Show award will be given, carrying a $100 cash prize courtesy of Ian and Lacey Gilworth. The winning art work will be displayed in their studio.
Other events taking place December 5 include the Norman Rockwell windows, a gingerbread house display at Take the Cake, tour of homes, music, and a meal served at the PC Café and Resource Center.
The recent art room expansion and new equipment have allowed students to create works of art that were not possible before. Students have enjoyed creating silk screens, lino and mono prints, and homemade paper. Tyler Shuey stated, “The new equipment is nice, that’s for sure.” Over fifty original works of art created by Art 1 and Advanced Art students will be showcased at the show.
Art teacher Tonja Partridge came up with the idea of this art show during a trip to a First Friday art event in Kansas City. First Fridays are held in the Crossroads District where art galleries and studios occupy old warehouses and store fronts. Knowing that Unionville has several historic buildings around the square, it was a natural step to approach the Gilworths to host this art show.
Ian and Lacey have been restoring their building on the northwest side of the Unionville square for some time. The suspended ceiling and dry wall were removed and three layers of paint were soda blasted from the original pressed tin ceiling. Paint, new lighting and flooring have transformed the first floor into Lace Image Studio and Gallery. Ian explained the building is the oldest on the square, having been constructed in 1872. The second floor is used as a portrait studio for it has an abundance of natural light. Lace Image specializes in wedding, family, senior, and baby portraits. A grand opening will be held December 5.
