UPDATED: Art Show to Feature Work of Madison Students

Borough students will once again get a taste of the big-time art world when the 6th annual Madison district student art show opens June 7-10 at the Korn and Student Galleries in the Dorothy Young Center for the Arts at .

More than 400 works will be on display by students from the five district schools, ranging from kindergartners to 12th graders.

Students and teachers work all year to prepare for this showing, said teacher Stacy Snider, District Coordinator of Visual and Performing Arts, who organizes the event. The Madison district art teachers involved with the event are Kathryn Cimis-DeBiasse, Shannon Harris, Kate Gebstaedt, Jordana Linder and Michael Watson. Drew donates the gallery space for the Madison students to use.

"Our students benefit from this event in numerous ways," Snider said in an interview. "First, it is a wonderful opportunity to see their work professionally displayed in an actual gallery. Secondly, their work is viewed by hundreds of people, not just people from their own school. And lastly, I always find it so amazing to view the progression of ability and quality from elementary school to high school. It is fascinating, and quite inspiring, to see how from year to year students improve and hone their artistic skills."

Snider observed that when artwork is displayed at the schools, "it is certainly nice for parents and students to see it on the walls or in a display case. But to use a professional gallery really gives the work a place to shine. Plus, for many students, it is their first time in a college gallery, and they have new appreciation for art installation, as well as an appreciation for how talented they really are! To see your work on display at school in one thing--to see it in a gallery brings it to a whole new level!"

A reception that is open to the public will be held on June 7 from 6-8 p.m. in the gallery showrooms. Regular gallery viewing hours are from 5-9 p.m. Monday-Friday.

"This is our sixth consecutive year doing the show at Drew," Snider said. "Not only does it add to town/gown relations, the Madison art community at large has the opportunity to see the great work being done in our public schools. Unlike music, which has public concerts and performances, art rarely gets the chance to be in the public eye. This event puts art at the forefront and allows anyone to come and view the pieces in a public and professional setting."