I APPRECIATE ART. All of it. From performing to literary to visual, art inspires me, uplifts me, causes me to pause and think. Art makes me feel joyful. I am so thankful I live in a Minnesota community where art is valued.
The Paradise Center for the Arts centers the arts in Faribault. From theatrical performances to concerts to gallery shows and more, the opportunity to embrace the arts awaits me inside this historic venue. How grateful I am for that.
Recently I toured the All Area Student Art Show, an annual exhibit featuring the art of students from area schools—this year eight. From kindergartners to high school seniors, the talent of these students is beyond impressive. Even more, I love that they are given this opportunity to share their work with the public. I often think how this builds self-confidence and encourages these kids to perhaps pursue art, or, at the least, to value it.
As I slowly walked three hallways where student art lines walls and then entered a room exhibiting more artwork, I pondered what I would photograph. I knew I needed to choose samples from each school. I also wanted a range of ages and art mediums, and also to showcase what spoke to me. Art is, in many ways, deeply personal, whether in creating or viewing.
Granted, this art was mostly guided by teacher assignments. But still, that leaves space for each artist to infuse his/her style into a piece. Copying art is different than creating art. These students create art.
Showing you the art I photographed requires more than one post. I took an excess of images, which tells you something about how much I enjoyed this second floor exhibit. Like an editor edits an author’s writing, I had to go through my photos frame by frame and edit. And then I grouped the photos by theme to make this all manageable.
Today’s post is nature-themed. From vivid butterfly to sun-splashed landscape to subdued bird of prey drawn in charcoal, these artistic renditions of our natural world create a sense of wonderment. What a beautiful world we live in, from garden flower to mountain grandeur. These student artists see that, imagine that, create it.
Being in nature takes me to a place that quiets my spirit, feeds my soul, calms me. It doesn’t take much—the rush of water, a vivid blue sky, the silhouette of a tree branch, a blazing sunset. This nature-themed art offers escape, restoration, a momentary respite from our busy lives. I hope these student artists realize the impact of their creativity.
I hope, too, that these teachers realize how much I value their work in guiding and inspiring their students. Art is as important as any subject in school. I think how art provides not only a way to express creativity but how it also factors into mental health. Just the physical act of using one’s hands can diminish anxiety, ground thoughts, perhaps even spark joy. The benefits are endless from both personal and educational perspectives.
My appreciation for this student art show stretches across a spectrum of gratitude. How thankful I feel for these young artists, for the educators who guide them and for the arts center that values their artwork.
FYI: The All Area Student Art Show will run until April 8 at the Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Avenue North, Faribault. Gallery hours are noon – 5pm Wednesday-Friday and 10 am-2 pm Saturday.
Art was photographed with permission from the Paradise. Individual artists hold original copyrights to their art. Please check back for more posts on this student art show.
© Copyrighted 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I think that this is magnificent that the students’ art is displayed in this way. it is such a win-win for all.
Exactly. A win-win for all.
I love them all but the Squish Bug is my fav today.
That Squish Bug is a fun piece of art, isn’t it? So many talented artists in this group.
Wonderful article and photos Audrey! I share your sentiments…
Thank you, John, for loving the prairie like I do. We can leave it physically, but the prairie remains in us, a part of who we are. The prairie has definitely shaped me as a person and a creative. I expect you can say the same.
My pleasure! Indeed returning to sense of place and now immersed in not only my own artistic journey, yet supporting artists across 18 counties is very rewarding. Seeing these young artists is inspiring and knowing that they have the space in school to create is heartwarming. So many programs are being cut.
John, thank you for encouraging, supporting and working in and with the arts in Minnesota. I appreciate your talent and efforts.
I love looking at students’ artwork! Do you send a link to your blog to the teachers of these students so they can let their students know some of their impact?
Sending a link is a good idea. But, no, I haven’t and I don’t know the identities of the art teachers.
Might be a way in the school website, but it was a random thought. Loved the post!
Yes, I could probably figure it out. Sometimes the Paradise links to my posts on their Facebook page. More student art coming soon from this exhibit.
I love children’s art. So free and unencumbered.
That’s a fitting description of children’s art.
I adore children’s art! It’s fascinating what their young creative minds envision and create.
Check back later this week for more amazing art by these student artists.
These are wonderful pieces of art. Thanks…can’t wait to see more.
More art forthcoming…you will continue to be impressed.
Hi Audrey, Becky and I so much enjoy your writings. I especially like the stories about farming and growing up on the prairie. On that note I have a suggestion for a possible story. Around town there are still a few surviving, in town barns. They have many interesting designs but they continue to be torn down all too often. One of the most interesting is the one a half block north of your house that sits on a ledge of rock. It is three stories high, or three stories deep, depending on how you look at it. What was it used for? When was it built? What was on each floor? Just a thought. Thanks Larry
Larry, I’m so glad you and Becky enjoy my writing. Thank you. Are you referencing my neighbor’s home on Tower Place? Or a different building?
Hi Audrey, You got it. From Willow Street that 3 story bungalow looks like it could of had many uses. If they had some chickens in the bottom room and they laid any eggs outside they would have rolled out on the street below. So what was that bottom room. My guess is that the rest of it was a carriage house, (horse barn). Could that bottom room have been for guests? Good Luck, Larry
Thank you, Larry. I’ll need to chat with my neighbors sometime.