WEIRTON — The Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center will, once again, celebrate the influence of art and education with the 12th-annual Robert Haworth Memorial Art Exhibition.

Haworth began his teaching career in Brooke County Schools, before moving to the Hancock County School System in 1932 and staying until his retirement in 1969.

This year’s exhibit will feature the works of two artists; Diane Kessler and the late John A. Francis. Both were students of Haworth’s during their high school years.

The exhibition will kick off with a reception 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 17 at the museum, 3149 Main St., with artwork on display through Oct. 24 and available for viewing between noon and 4 p.m. There is no cost for admission.

Kessler is a graduate of Weir High School and Marshall University. She has been an art teacher and judge for children’s art contests in the area for many years. Her contributions to the exhibition will include various water color pieces.

“Mr. Haworth was a quiet and pleasant man,” Kessler said. “I never saw him get angry. He was very easy going. Mr. Haworth would sit by us and give us one-on-one personalized attention. He was very encouraging.”

Francis was a 1942 Weir High graduate. In 2010, his daughter donated 23 of his paintings to the museum. Several of those pieces will be on display.

In addition to the featured pieces, artwork of other Haworth students and artists from the Tri-State Area will be on display. Current art students from local school also are encouraged to display their work.

The idea of honoring Haworth’s legacy as an artist and teacher came from the late Dr. Ray Greco. Greco’s daughter, Debbie Greco Catton, is the current chair of the museum’s Art Committee, which organizes the show each year.

Past featured students have included Irene Crago, Kathryn Wright Mortimer, Robert Watson, Lewis Kesling, Virgil Cantini, Herman Capito, William Zdinak, Mary Ann June, Bill Ameredes, Anthony Sellitti and Harry Ameredes.