Art exhibit

As important as core competency areas such as English, math and science are, a well-rounded education should also include ample time for studying the arts. And thanks to quality programs, excellent teachers and some talented students, a masterful display of local art is now on display at the Crisp Museum at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus.

Last Sunday the 33rd annual High School Art Exhibition was held at Crisp Museum. The exhibit -- which was first started in 1979 by now retired Southeast professor Edwin Smith -- is held each year to recognize exceptional artwork by area high school students.

This year's exhibit boasted 250 entries from 19 high schools in the area. Among the entries, 90 were selected for the "Exhibiting Excellence" exhibit, which will be on display at the museum through March 27.

Cape Girardeau Central High School was represented with 21 entries -- the most by any school. Eleven of Central's entries won awards. Both Notre Dame Regional High School and Scott City High School each have nine entries on display.

This year's Best in Show went to Amy Walden, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., for her painting. First-place winners include: Shannon Nuyt, Cape Girardeau Central High School (ceramics); Crystal Glass, Poplar Bluff (drawing); Agee Hausman, Bismarck, Mo. (fibers); Lucy Gage, Saxony Lutheran (painting); Kelsey Jenkins, Sikeston, Mo. (photography); Jessica Hagerty, Cape Girardeau Central High School (printmaking); and Daniel Price, Cape Girardeau Central High School (sculpture).

A job well done to all the exhibit participants, and thank you to the schools and art teachers who encourage students to participate in special events such as the annual exhibit. And if you haven't already checked out the exhibit entries on display at Crisp Museum, consider doing so this month.