Students find outlet for creativity in art show

MINDEN, Nev.

by Sharlene Irete

sirete@recordcourier.com

Hundreds viewed artwork, listened to music by the Douglas jazz band and Madrigals and bid on silent auction items at the Douglas High School annual art show on April 29.

The school's media center was full of displayed artwork " ceramics, print screening, photography, paintings, sculpture, textiles " from Carson Valley Middle School and Douglas students.

Recycled items are future artworks in Douglas art teacher Christine Groman's design and construction class. She pointed out screened T-shirts with hand-stitched kerchiefs and art created from thrift store and garage sale finds.

"We talk in class about how there isn't anything you do in life that art doesn't impact," Groman said. "From invention and designs to cars, clothing, cooking " they realize everything is related to art."

Silent auction items at the art show included reclaimed and decorated art of a music stand, drum set, trombone, guitar, computer, mosaic pots, desk, game table, shoes and clothing. Note cards and many student artworks were for sale.

Money raised from the sale of silent auction items will go toward a scholarship for a graduating senior who is pursuing an art-related career.

"Art is an outlet for students' creativity. We have so many talented students in all areas," Groman said. "This is a true fine arts night."

Gina Sipin, 16, was a Gold Key winner in the Scholarship Art Awards of 2009 and her work was featured with that of other student artists in a month-long show at the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno this spring.

Sipin is considering pursuing either graphic design or psychology when she goes to college. She uses both subjects in the pieces displayed at the Douglas art show.

"We have the right," is a silk-screened print mounted on sheet metal of words from the Declaration of Human Rights from Amnesty International.

"I'm in Amnesty group at school," said Sipin. "We should speak out for people who don't have rights. No one has the right to take away your rights as a human being."

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