Art Exhibition Features PHS Student Work

Three Perryville High School art students were recently selected to participate in the 32nd Annual High School Art Exhibition: "Exhibiting Excellence" at Southeast Missouri State University. They are Joey Bauwens, son of Jim and Linda Bauwens, Matt Busch, son of Jack and Patty Busch, and Samantha Ervin. Each of the artists will have their art displayed from January 31 to March 7, 2010 at the Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Museum and Department of Art located in the Cultural Arts Center at River Campus, 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

An opening reception for the artists was held on Sunday, January 31. Awards were presented in the categories of drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, fibers and photography.

The jurored exhibition showcases pieces created by junior and senior high school students in southeast Missouri and southern Illinois. The juror, chosen by the Department of Art, selects the pieces to be shown in the museum and gives a statement regarding the artistic development of the artists.

"Having a piece of artwork in this exhibition is like going to state competition in the field of art," said art instructor Carolyn Pontillas. "There are several hundred pieces of art work entered into this competition. To have a piece selected for display is a very prestigious honor. The students are all very deserving to be a part of the art exhibition."