Celebrating Middle School Artists

Creative and colorful artwork fills UNC Asheville’s Sherrill Center from 3/2 - 3/31.

By: Benjamin Rickert, BCS Communications

Creative and colorful artwork filled UNC Asheville’s Sherrill Center on March 2 as students from all Buncombe County and Asheville City middle schools gathered to celebrate their art. The Celebrating Middle School Success through the Arts exhibition and reception featured 78 impressive pieces. It was an opportunity for young artists to share their creations with community members, educators, and families.

“Many adolescents have not yet realized the power and gift of visual art until they enroll in an art class,” said BCS arts specialist and former middle school art teacher Ms. Laura Mitchell. “Some students discover for the first time in middle school that they are talented in art. They get a chance to discover that Art is not only a way to express oneself but also a way to express ideas and be a part of a global language.”

During the reception, seventh-grader Denver Wamsley of Valley Springs Middle School stood proudly next to his piece, titled “Miami Vice.” He explained that the splattered cyan and neon pink colors were inspired by the popular television drama with the same name, and that his art teacher is Mrs. Angela Cloud.

Denver Wamsley stands next to his piece, "Miami Vice."

“I think [the exhibition] is cool because my family gets to experience it with me,” said Wamsley. “I am pretty happy with the outcome.”

During the short program, a panel of students spoke about their own artwork, techniques, and goals. Representing Buncombe County Schools on the panel were Caroleina Romero of Cane Creek Middle, Kiersten Gosnell of North Buncombe Middle, and Bella Hale of Charles D. Owen Middle.

“Our students live in a visual world and need the tools to be visually literate citizens,” Mitchell said. “This exhibit highlights students in our middle schools with a first-class reception and program, and places importance in highlighting this important age when students discover their gifts.”

The exhibition will remain on display in the Sherill Center Concourse from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through March 31, 2020.

Buncombe County Schools is grateful for this ongoing partnership with UNC Asheville, the United Way, and Asheville City Schools.

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