“THAT LOOKS LIKE an illustration in a children’s picture book” I think while viewing a drawing of a cat eyeing fish in a fish bowl. But I’m not paging through a book. Rather I’m appreciating a work of art by Faribault Middle School sixth grader Briana in the All Area Student Art Show at the Paradise Center for the Arts. The exhibit with student art from eight schools closes April 8.
Likewise, I envision other art on t-shirts, note cards, mugs, places beyond the walls of this Minnesota center for the arts in historic downtown Faribault.
Yet, on this day I value this student art in its role as part of a gallery exhibit, showcased to the public. This annual show is always such a delight in the variety of art, the talent, the way these young artists pour themselves into their work. Some pieces, more than others, offer glimpses into personalities and interests.
I can feel my fingers press into the strings of a guitar, the beat of music filling the room.
I can hear the rhythmic thump of a basketball upon the floor, feel my foot connecting with a soccer ball, see a tennis ball fly across the net toward me. I can hear a dog panting, feel its presence nearby.
I can see my beautiful multi-hued nails, a reflection of this beautiful, diverse world.
I can hear the rooster crowing, the chicken clucking, the dog barking.
I can feel a hundred cat eyes on me, watching, waiting.
It doesn’t take much to immerse myself in this student art, to experience it. Art can take us places. Geographically. Mentally. Back in time, forward in time. Into an imaginative place. Into a real place. Art can be healing and therapeutic and so many other things. Art can make a statement.
To confine art’s purpose to a sentence or two would be like locking ideas inside a box. It can’t be done. As long as creatives create, the expanse of art’s reach is endless. Today these youth have shown me their evolving, developing creativity. And that gives me hope in a world that needs art today more than ever.
FYI: This concludes my three-part series on the All Area Student Art Show. Please click here to read my first post on nature-themed art in this exhibit. And then click here to see portraits created by these students.
The PCA is open from noon-5pm Wednesday-Friday and from 10am-2pm Saturday at 321 Central Avenue North in Faribault.
© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Your student art show series is wonderful, Audrey. How you illustrate your responses to the pieces helps my senses perk up, too. It’s so great how you appreciate the artworks. I’ll be attending Charlie’s Art Show St his school this month. I hope I hear a rooster!
Glad you enjoyed the student art show, Ruth. What fun that you can see Charlie’s art in a show. And, yes, I hope you hear a rooster crow also. I expect a full “report.”
Wonderfully talented children! 🙂
Oh, my goodness, Penny, they are a talented group.
Stunning work. All of it is so wonderful.
I intentionally included cat art just for you, my friend.
I enjoyed attending the student art show with you. Your comments gave me ideas for what to look for in my next visit to an art gallery. Wow, these students are creative.
I am happy to inspire you in ways to view art. And, yes, assuredly talented youth.
These works of art are very impressive. I especially like the fish bowl!
I was really drawn to the cat watching fish art, too. I studied it. Thank you for appreciating all of this youth art.
I love the wide range and beauty of their work. To be shown in a gallery is so empowering for these young artists. Thank you for sharing this with us
I’m happy to share this youth art.
I really enjoyed looking at all the pieces, These kids are very talented.
They are, just like your sweet Audrey.