Art Exhibition Puts Spotlight on FCPS Teachers

Artwork created by 57 Fairfax County Public Schools teachers is on display at the Annandale Campus of Northern Virginia Community College as part of the third annual Artist Teacher Exhibition. The works were selected from more than 200 submissions by juror Renee Sandell, a professor in George Mason University's School of Art.

"This is the third time that we have organized this annual event to recognize the hard work and talents of Fairfax County art teachers," said FCPS art resource teacher Aaron Stratten, who organized the exhibition. "For many years, one of our goals in Fairfax County Public Schools has been to seek out and hire candidates who are not only great art teachers, but also great artists. Three years ago we decided, in the Fine Arts Office, that we show how much we value these teachers by offering them an opportunity for exhibition."

A reception was held for all of the featured artists on Nov. 16 in the Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center at NOVA-Annandale. The two-story venue features a total of 80 artworks ranging from paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, mixed-media pieces and more.

art teacher Mary Wehle was among the artists featured in the show.

Hanor Sarina Haris, a part-time art teacher at , has had her work on display at the exhibit for the past two years.

"It's a good event because you get to see what your colleagues are up to," she said. "To be a part of a community of people who appreciate your work is really special."

Each artist-teacher had a different story to tell with his or her piece. Some were inspired to create by people or events in their life while others drew inspiration from their favorite literary works. Although their approaches to their work differ, all 57 teachers have one thing in common: a dedication to the arts.

"Well, this piece is sort of a nod to my favorite novel 1984," said Kim Jenkins of Marshall High about his artwork. "I really like the book, the movie and the adaptation. I wanted to sort of produce my own take on it." Jenkins also said that he shared his creative process with his students to get them to think outside of the box.

Artwork from the teachers will be on display at NOVA-Annandale until Saturday. The exhibit is free and open to public.