The Blackstone Valley

Art In The Valley Showcases Local Talent, Artists

By Steve Balestrieri

One of many outstanding pieces of artwork submitted by area artists for the 6th Annual Art in the Valley exhibition

MILLBURY, Mass. - The Blackstone Valley Education Foundation and North Grafton's Sunshine Sign partnered to produce the "6th annual Art in the Valley" student art exhibition of visual arts for kindergarten through grade 8 throughout the Blackstone Valley. The program was an outstanding success in terms of the amount of artwork showcased, the amount of people attending and the workmanship and talent of the young artists showcased at the Elmwood Elementary School in Millbury.

Last year's event showcased about 100 works of art from students in the area and was attended by nearly 400 people. This year the event showcased over 350 works of art, some of which is amazing considering the youth of some of the students. On Friday night alone, over 1,000 people attended the exposition which thrilled Lorna Pezanelli, art teacher for the Shaw School in Millbury.

"We are so proud of our students," she said on Saturday morning. "We have over 350 pieces of art submitted and considering the age of some of the students, there are some amazing pieces of work."

Pezanelli, affectionately known as Ms. Pez to the students, was also happy over the turnout. "We had over 1,000 people last night with the waiting line down the hall and right out the door. That was fantastic and we're hoping to be able to carry it over to today as well."

And it seemed she would get her wish as a steady stream of people flowed in the gymnasium for the expo.

Art in the Valley is a cooperative venture among grades K-8 art teachers in public and private schools within the Blackstone Valley that highlight and celebrate the achievements of valley-wide students who have practiced discovery, problem solving, critical thinking, analysis, interpretation, inventiveness and cultural appreciation through art education classes.

The Art in the Valley program is provided free-of-charge to schools in the Blackstone Valley, and organized completely by the participating visual arts teachers lead by Pezanelli and Karen Volk Co-Coordinator for Art in the Valley.

The interest shown at this year's event as well as the amount of artwork submitted should be a huge boost for the future of this program and promises to be even better in 2013.

The Blackstone Valley Education Foundation provides support for Blackstone Valley Schools and Community residents by linking work and learning through internship and entrepreneurship development, career conferences, grants to schools and teachers for work and learning curriculum development, and other convening and connecting activities in the Valley.

For more information, contact Julie Salmon, program coordinator for the Blackstone Valley Education Foundation at jsalmon@blackstonevalley.org.

Original article: http://www.thedailymillbury.com/schools/art-valley-showcases-local-talent-artists

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About the Education Foundation

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation, Inc. is the not-for-profit umbrella organization for all Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce school-business related activities and cultural programs. Our Mission: To lead and support education that promotes workforce development and enhances the quality of life in the Blackstone Valley.