The beginnings of the middle school showcase
David Scibilia/The Bona Venture
BY: DAVID SCIBILIA, FEATURES EDITOR
Known for its galleries — one of which houses a painting by a student of Rembrandt — the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at St. Bonaventure University contains many works of art. But some of the most priceless pieces reside outside of the galleries.
Covering every inch of the wall on the second floor of the art center, there are geometric shapes, collages and landscapes. All of which were done by local elementary, middle or high schoolers.
“When students see their artwork hanging up, they get really proud,” said Evelyn Penman, the assistant director and senior curator. “I mean, why wouldn’t they be proud that their work is hanging in a public place? I think that it’s just a really good experience. We want to give recognition to those kids who maybe aren’t the most athletic, but have found success in other areas.”
The center holds three different exhibitions throughout the year: one for elementary schoolers, one for middle schoolers and one for high schoolers.
“We probably had 400 people here at the [elementary’s] opening,” said Penman. “It was total chaos, frankly. But you know, we do a little reception with cookies and punch. Everybody’s so excited to be here and to see their kids work and it’s just really nice.”
Cassadaga Valley Central School District, which lies about 50 miles west of the university, is one of the 12-15 schools that enter into these shows.
“I have submitted work to showcase the students that have gone above and beyond in class,” said Nicole Shields, an art teacher. “It’s an opportunity to honor those students and their accomplishments.”
The art center has conducted the elementary art show for over twenty years and the high school and middle school showcases for nearly a decade.
“[These exhibitions] are really important because all the visual and performing arts have all taken a hit in the school budgets,” said Penman. “To have this outlet, I think, puts the emphasis back on the arts and it congratulates and rewards them for taking part in something.”
In addition to the public display, prizes are also awarded to winners.
“Our prize packs include art supplies: colored pencils, watercolors, watercolor paper, paints, pastels, anything that we can find,” said Penman. “If students are still doing art, actively creating things in middle and high school, we want you to have a little better art supplies to work with.”
Beyond art supplies, there are three $1000 scholarships awarded to high schoolers.
Winners are decided by a panel of faculty, art center staff and volunteers.
“We lay out all of the art in one of our galleries without the names visible,” said Penman. “Then we have three judges come in and pick out the ones they like the most in a jury process.”
The most recent K-5 exhibition had about 250 submissions, the middle school exhibition had about 150 submissions and the high school exhibition has had as many as 300 submissions.
Shields said she’s thankful for the opportunity the art center provides.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students,” said Shields. “As an educator, I enjoy seeing other student projects and successes. My school district greatly appreciates the opportunities the quick center has given our students.”
The 2024 middle school exhibition opens Feb. 13 and closes March 17. The 2024 high school exhibition opens April 9 and closes May 5. The art center is open to the public from noon to 5 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 4 p.m. on weekends.
Scibild22@bonaventure.edu
