Oakland Student Art Exhibition Opens

The Oakland Library kicked off an exhibition of student art work Tuesday evening with a reception for parents, teachers, and artists.

"Everybody comes out and it's amazing," said Heights School principal Barbara Ciambra of the fourth annual event that showcases the year's work from students in the district's special arts program.

Students gifted in the visual arts are selected to enter the program in fourth grade and can continue through middle school, taking an extra period of art each week to work with teachers on special projects.

Their best work from the year was on display Tuesday night, as students from around the district showcased sculptures, sketches, and paintings for the public.

"When I got in last year I thought it was pretty amazing," Manito fifth grader Jack Weiman said, remembering being notified of his selection to the special arts program.

And the honor, aside from the library's annual exhibition, means extra time and attention to the arts from a young age, in a program unique among school districts.

"Classes are small so we can give them more one-on-one attention," Heights art teacher Vanessa Telischak said. "I've taught at a couple other schools, and here they're really all about the arts."

Art teachers Jill Jeune of Valley Middle School and Lori Devanna of Dogwood and Manito also oversee the program.

The student art will be on public display at the library until June 18.