Educators' artwork on display at Sikeston museum

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The mission of the Sikeston Depot includes providing opportunities for people to display their artistic creations.

Mike Marsh, director of the museum, said the newest exhibit fits perfectly into that mission. The depot's first Art Teachers' Art Show is now on display in the main gallery. The 50 or so pieces by educators will be on display through the end of February.

"This just seemed like a natural to me," Marsh said. "Art teachers really teach by doing and it's always nice to see the product of a teacher's skills -- we often don't get to see that."

Darla Roberts, an art teacher at Sikeston Senior High School, is one of the participants. She entered a half-dozen pieces and said she was excited about the prospect.

"I just thought it was a neat idea and would be good for the students to see some of the teachers' artwork," she said. "They see some in art class, but not a lot."

So far, four other teachers -- from Sikeston, East Prairie, Mo., Hayti, Mo., and Saxony Lutheran -- have entered pieces in the show. Others, including art teachers from New Madrid, Mo., and Jackson, missed the deadline and will make late entries, Marsh said.

"Over the holidays, several teachers forgot," he said. "But they can still call and enter."

The exhibits use a variety of media.

"It's mostly paintings, but we also have photography, pen and ink, mixed media and more," Marsh said.

Roberts said she plans to visit the exhibit to see what other teachers are doing.

"I think I'll learn new techniques, as well as different project ideas for the students and myself," she said. "There's always something new out there."

Marsh said all teachers in Southeast Missouri are invited to enter items.

"We're hoping to grow this every year, especially to the schools closest to our museum," he said. "I've had several tell me they couldn't enter this year, but want to next year."