Westwood School District holds Third Annual Art Show at Westwood Library

Families and friends alike gathered to see artwork from children in grades K-12 at the Thursday. The library was split; middle school artwork lined the walls of the right half of the library, high school paintings and drawings on the left. Cookies and water were served.

The night began with nearly 100 children scrambling anxiously to find their pieces of artwork, dragging their parents along in excitement. Once it settled down, the Westwood High School Chamber Singers performed, leading into the Award Ceremony. Students of all ages were recognized for their art.

Library Director Martha Urbiel said she’s pleased with this year’s turnout at the opening night.

“I just think the public really likes to see what’s happening and there are really a lot of talented kids in this district,” she said.

Urbiel helped create the annual art show, which will run April 1-30 at the library, three years ago along with the Westwood Regional School District.

“It’s a way for the general public to come but it’s also a way for parents to come when they can’t make it to school then they have a public place they can come see it,” she said. “And I think the kids really love having their work publicly displayed. It’s their first public exhibit.”

But Urbiel cannot put the show on alone; teachers from the school district must choose what art goes on display at the library.

Westwood High School Fundamentals of Art teacher Sean Quirk helps choose pieces for the show.

“In the back of the library there is a selection of both honors drawing and painting and a collection of fundamentals classes,” Quirk explained. “I along with three other teachers teach that class.”

Other paintings on the high school’s side of the library came from Art Teacher Pamela Duffus’ honors classes. She brought between 14 and 20 pieces to this year’s show, from about 14 students.

“Basically we take some of the best pieces that represent different projects we’ve done throughout the year,” Duffus said. “And each teacher, we have four high school teachers and one teacher who teaches the eighth grade cycle program, puts in about 15 pieces each.”

She said each high school teacher picks pieces from their own classes.

“It’s partially based on quality and partially based on what’s going to fit,” Duffus said.

Space was a minor issue in this year’s display, she said. The library was not able to offer showcases for some 3D artwork, so these pieces will be on display at the high school instead.

Duffus and Urbiel both said the library display benefits the students.

“Any recognition is good. People can come see it and their names are up there so then neighbors and friends and family can come see it at any time and see what they’re up to and everything,” Duffus said. “And also what we like about this show is it goes from K-12 so the younger students get to admire the high school students. They can see what they’re going to do in the future.”

Tamiko Beutel is proud of her daughters Olivia and Tatiana for having their paintings chosen for this art show.

Seventh-grader Olivia has a painting of a sunflower on display.

“When I was given a piece of paper that said that my artwork was going to be in the show I was excited,” she said. “I was excited that people actually liked my art and wanted it to be displayed. It’s so cool.”

Olivia plans to take art classes in high school.

Her younger sister, second-grader Tatiana, has a painting of a tree on the wall at the library.

She too is excited her artwork is hanging up in the library.