OUT OF THE CLASSROOM

The creation of art is only half the equation, Central High School art teacher Judy Barks-Westrich says.

"Artwork should be produced but it also should be displayed for other people."

Barks-Westrich's sophomore, junior and senior students have been creating art since September. Now the 65 students will offer the public a chance to see what they've done in an exhibition at Gallery 100.

The opening reception will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the gallery, 1707 Mount Auburn Road in Cape Girardeau. The show will continue through Jan. 26.

Barks-Westrich, in her first year at Central after teaching in the Sikeston schools, said this is the first time Central art students have exhibited their work at a public gallery.

"They're real anxious about this," she said. "They're extremely pleased to have their artwork matted but they're apprehensive and naive about displaying it."

Barks-Westrich herself is not worried. "I've got some really good kids this year," she said.

The work includes art in pencil, marker, ink, tempera and watercolor covering a variety of topics.

About 100 works will be on display.

Invitations have been sent to all the students' parents. And Central Principal Dr. Dan Tallent and Barks-Westrich composed a letter that has been sent to the students.

Barks-Westrich said her classes will have a second show in the spring at the public library.