Six from Sussex County in Youth Art Month exhibit in Trenton

Sussex County - Six local art students’ work was selected to be on exhibit through March 17 at the 2006 Youth Art Month Exhibit in Trenton. A reception is also planned to honor students, their families, art teachers, guest artists and legislators who support art education in the schools. Each March, Youth Art Month spotlights art and art education through mayors’ and governors’ proclamations, state capital events, and thousands of local exhibits. It is endorsed by many U.S. senators, representatives and state legislators who speak out on behalf of art education. One of its purposes is to direct attention to the value of art education, making it a viable component in the total school curricula. Proponents hope to increase community, business and governmental support for art education. Beth Delaney, Fredon School art teacher and Art Educators of N.J. representative, has been devoted to making this year’s Youth Art Month a success. Working closely with the Art Educators of N.J., local school art teachers and superintendents, and the Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council, Delaney pulled together an impressive exhibit. The six Sussex County students represented in the exhibit are Samantha Zerner, of Florence M. Burd Elementary School, Andover; Angel Alcantara, Fredon Elementary School, Fredon; Eric Battersby, Marian Emmons McKeown Elementary School, Hampton; Olivia Sasdi, Helen Morgan Elementary School, Sparta; Kara Trowbridge, Valley Road School, Stanhope; and Sierra Welter, Rolling Hills Elementary School, Vernon. The Sussex County Youth Art Month exhibit will be on display through April 5 at the Public Gallery, County Courthouse, Newton. Some 123 works of art by local students will be displayed, culminating with a reception for the artists and families. Endorsements supporting art education signed by the 15 Sussex County school superintendents will also be on display.