Heather, a sixth grader from South Elementary School, created this picture for the Art Auction.

ATHENS, Ohio –The College of Education will host its Third Annual Art Extravaganza Silent Auction Monday, November 2, 2009, at 5:30 p.m. in the McCracken Hall Gallery.

The expo will feature art created by students from Morgan County's South Elementary School. Members of the Ohio University, Athens and Morgan County community are invited to mingle with student artists while enjoying complimentary food, beverages and music. 

Bidding sheets will accompany each piece of artwork, enabling interested buyers to bid on their favorite pieces. Winning bids will be announced at 6:45 p.m. in the lobby of McCracken. Proceeds raised from the auction will be distributed between the school’s art program and the students themselves.

The event traditionally follows the mid-year McCracken Art Unveiling and Exhibition, which was held May 11, 2009. At the time, Dean Renée Middleton called the exhibition the largest the College has seen in terms of support from family, friends and school administrators, so attendance for the Silent Auction is expected to be high.

Since the exhibition, students' art has decorated the halls of McCracken, providing an ongoing chance to view the art leading up to the auction.

The annual art exhibition and auction was initiated by Dean Middleton, who was inspired by her ongoing trips to local schools. “Through my visits to the schools, I’ve realized we need ways to bring the community into the College of Education.” Middleton said. “This was a way to complete that circle and bring together teachers,
parents and the students around a positive and exciting event.”

Dean Middleton welcomes students to the 2008 Art Auction.

Past schools participating in the art exhibition and auction include Miller High School, Athens High School, Meigs Middle School and Chauncey, Chieftain, Hocking Hills and Morrison Elementary
Schools.

The Art Extravaganza provides an outlet to showcase the success and hard work of local teachers and students and an opportunity
for the community to recognize and enjoy their artwork. 
The College of Education takes pride in their work in local
schools and welcomes this opportunity to give something back
to the schools while interacting with students.

Read the preview article in the Morgan County Herald: Art Extravaganza

Story by R. Devin Hughes
Photos by Julie Van Wagenen and Natalie LaConte
Artists from South Elementary School

Additional photos: