Harn Museum of Art hosts Alachua County student art exhibit

May 6, 2009

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Creations of talented Alachua County student artists from kindergarten through 12th grade are on display at the Harn Museum of Art in the Chandler Auditorium through Monday, May 17.

“Everyday Art,” the theme for the 2009 student exhibition, drew inspired submissions, such as landscape paintings and hand-printed robes inspired by African textiles.

“This partnership represents the Harn Museum’s continuing relationship with the Alachua County School System and supports the museum’s mission to promote the power of the arts to inspire and educate people and enrich their lives,” said Bonnie Bernau, director of education at the Harn Museum of Art. “This annual exhibition provides the museum with an excellent opportunity to celebrate student artists and the dedication of local art teachers, while endorsing our mutual dedication to ensuring that the arts are an important part of children’s lives.”

The works on display represent the culmination of a full year of study, which included a workshop in the fall for teachers, a guided visit to the Harn Museum of Art, and classroom instruction about art using the museum’s educator resource unit. The works submitted by students were inspired by their visit to the museum.

The museum hosted a reception on April 23 to recognize students whose work is featured in the exhibition. More than 25 local schools are represented by the art on display.

The exhibition and reception were made possible in part by the support of Florida Capital Bank. Staff members at the bank have selected 21 student works to be displayed in the bank’s offices for one year after the exhibition closes at the museum.

Partial funding for school visits to the Harn Museum of Art is provided by the Alachua County School Board through an Arts in Education grant from the State of Florida, Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council.

Admission to the Harn Museum of Art is free. For more information, visit http://www.harn.ufl.edu or call 352-392-9826.