To the Editor,

The opening reception for the Fifth Annual High School Students Art Exhibition was held November 6 at the Summit Art Gallery, hosting over 80 guests. This event was sponsored by the Top of WV Arts Council, a sub-committee of the Top of WV Convention and Visitors Bureau (TWVCVB).

The show features 48 participating student artists with 54 pieces of art displayed. Three art teachers also provided their artwork for display.

The high schools of Brooke, Madonna, Oak Glen, along with the John D. Rockefeller Career Center participated in the themed show of “A Different View.”

The exhibition provides an opportunity for the young student artists to participate in a function that is remote from the classroom. The art teachers expend extra work in preparation for the exhibit that exceeds their normal duties.

The teachers form the jury to judge the works for award ribbons. The teacher in the school being judged does not participate. A member of the TWVAC also participates in the judging of all schools. We applaud these teachers for their extra-curricular special effort.

AWARD RECIPIENTS: Brooke 1st – Escape the Dragon’s Gaze by Anneliese Schupbach 2nd – Love in the Sunset by Zoey Miller 3rd – Herd Behavior by Deedra Groves HM – I Love You Ellynn by Olivia Havelka HM – Don’t Be Koi by Katie Williams

J.D. Rockefeller Career Center 1st – All Seeing Serpent by Maria Stefansy 2nd – Porcelain by Izibella Brown 3rd – Two Faced by Micaiah Sindledecker HM -Cow Hunt by Emma Bittinger HM – Eyes of a Monster by Ayden Linger

Oak Glen 1st – Driven by Abby Whitehead 2nd – Remember When by Tori Snider 3rd – Outstanding Orb by Cole Raines HM – Four Seasons by Lexi Vincent HM – Starry Night Balcony by Katelyn Barnhart

Madonna 1st – Untitled (Jellyfish) by Mali Olivani 2nd – Untitled (Flip Pic) by Adalynne Welsh 3rd – To Be a Fly on the Wall by Mira Jasko HM – Bat’s View by Marleigh O’Brien HM – Lashes on Fleek by Avery Morris

My thanks to the school administrations, the TWVCVB Board and Executive Staff, and TWVAC members that helped make this exhibition a great success.

The exhibition will be available for viewing through Thursday, December 19 at the Summit Art Gallery located at 243 Three Springs Dr., Suite 17 Weirton, from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. I encourage all to make the effort to view the art these students created.

Bob Watson

TWVAC Event Chair

Weirton