Exhibit to feature work of Allegheny-Clarion Valley students

From staff reports

The work of several Allegheny-Clarion Valley students will go on display starting at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Red Brick Gallery, 17 Main St. in Foxburg. An opening reception will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Studentartshow

The art of several Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School students will be on display at the Red Brick Gallery in Foxburg.

The exhibit runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, April 7 and 14, and from noon to 4 p.m. Sundays, April 8 and 15.

Something special has been going on for many years in the classroom of veteran A-C Valley High School art teacher Anita Allen.

In Allen’s classes, students engaged in hands on deep practice. They were motivated by the artwork they were seeking to replicate and what they will do with it when finished. They received master coaching on techniques and skill building from Allen. Students worked in a variety of media from watercolors and acrylics to charcoal and pastels.

Five seniors, who have taken art throughout high school, are going on to study art next year at the Pittsburgh Technical Institute and La Roche College.

Allen’s art classes have become vocational training for employment in graphic and computer design.

Red Brick Gallery opens its season for the fourth consecutive year with the artwork of 100 A-C Valley students in Allen’s classes from grades 7 to 12. The exhibit is sponsored by Allegheny RiverStone Center for the Arts.

“When the gallery opened its 2015 season for the first time with an A-C Valley Student exhibit, I didn’t know what to expect, but it was phenomenal. The work was vibrant and explosive,” said Red Brick artistic director Donna Edmonds. “We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to drop by to support the students. It’s a great experience that leaves everyone with a sense of awe for the freshness and talent of these young artists.”

“Students have been working on their art for this exhibit throughout the year. It’s amazing to witness their creative process in the various media in which they have worked. I am grateful that ARCA is exhibiting their art in the Red Brick Gallery again this spring,” Allen said. “It’s important for the students to see their artwork displayed publicly. Our community, without a doubt, will get a true idea of the artistic skills our kids have when they see the quality and creativity of this exhibit.”

More information is available at www.alleghenyriverstone.org.