Young Masters exhibits Troy students’ creativity

Show at Hayner features around 350 pieces.

Sara Schmitmeyer was excited to share the efforts of her art students as she helped hang German coo coo clocks designed and constructed in 3-D sculpture by fifth graders at St. Patrick School in the annual Young Masters art exhibit.

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Schmitmeyer’s students in grades kindergarten through eight also contributed a number of paintings for the 29th annual show at the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center.

She helped hang those pieces alongside art teachers from the participating schools — all Troy City Schools buildings, Troy Christian Schools, St. Patrick School and The Overfield School.

Schmitmeyer said St. Patrick has its own art show for parents in April but added the young master’s project gives the students and their efforts a little more mention in the community. “It is wonderful to be a part of it,” she said.

Each wall or display area was set up by teachers using a mixture of schools and works by students of different ages.

Jill Hartman, Troy schools art teacher and department chairwoman, worked with Leona Sargent, Hayner exhibit coordinator, on the exhibit planning.

The show features around 350 pieces chosen by the art teachers.

Students work in a variety of mediums during the school year so the show displays an array of work from paper mache’, wire and ceramic sculpture, 2-D drawings, paintings and prints.

“Students that have had work in the show before are often excited to have work selected again.” Hartman said.

Abbie Scheib of Troy said her students at Troy Christian junior and high schools have 30 to 40 pieces on display.

The preparations for the show are important, Scheib said. “It is so hard to choose and the students feel so honored” when their work is selected, she said.

“It is neat to see the little kids’ stuff next to the high school stuff,” Scheib said.

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The Young Masters exhibit is a popular Hayner event.

“It’s often a mystery what happens at school and in the related arts classrooms. Visitors to the show are often surprised such talent walks among them right here in Troy,” Hartman said. “Remember that art teachers are often practicing artists so this exhibit is just as much for the kids as it is for the teachers.”

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Contact this contributing writer at nancykburr@aol.com.


How to go

What: Young Masters annual art exhibit

Where: Troy-Hayner Cultural Center, 301 W. Main St., Troy

When: Jan. 12-Feb. 25

Admission: Free

Hours: Hayner hours are Monday, 7-9 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. The center is closed on holidays.

More info: www.troyhayner.org or 937-339-0457.

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