SIDNEY — Third-grade elementary students from Northwood recently visited the Bad Art by Good People exhibit at Gateway Arts Council gallery. The students had the opportunity to see a diverse array of artwork that included paintings, quilts, and sculptures. They were intrigued by the different styles that artists used to convey their message.
The work was done by local artists representing both Gateway Arts Council and Wilson Health Foundation. The theme of all of the works was “Hope.” These artists include Mark Kaufman, Kim Oglesbee, Melanie Speicher, Gary Strasser, Roger Fulk, Wendy Null, Julie Covault, Alys Fleckenstein, Brian Scheid, Caitlyn Beckett Lewis, Debbie Wenning, Rachel Hale, Jordan Crisp, Bob Sturwold, Chris Grissom, Joann Scott, Randy Rose, Tammy Lyme, Jeff Hobbs, Liz Obringer, Jessica Guillozet, Gary Carter, Robert McDevitt, Julie Henman and Seth Middleton.
Of particular interest was Kim Oglesbee’s work where they had the chance to look at her picture of the Sidney County Courthouse which was made up of 1,200 individual small pictures all from Shelby County. Another highlight was Brian Scheid’s creative work that included his use of an x-ray.
The artist that they were most intrigued by was Julie Henman’s piece “Hope Surrounds Us.” Henman overcame her battle with cancer. During the visit she was able to tell her own students her story of overcoming her illness with the courage and support of her community. Her work includes excerpts from cards of support that she received during her treatment and pieces of hymns that uplifted her spirits during her fight.
The exhibit is part of Gateway’s Bad Art by Good People event. This year’s partner is the Wilson Foundation’s “The Future is Clear” campaign. The art will be auctioned on Oct. 3 at the Bad Art Ball and the proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards Wilson Memorial Hospital’s purchase of a new 3D mammography imaging machine as well as Gateway Arts Council.
Gateway provides Shelby and surrounding counties with quality arts, entertainment and, cultural enrichment. Its diversified year-round programming includes events that appeal to all ages and interests. Whether it is high quality professional entertainment brought to the Sidney High School Auditorium, a children’s play performed by a national touring company at the Cameo Theater, a music instrument given to a student in need, an art exhibit in Gateway’s Art Gallery or a summer morning in Custenborder Park painting murals with children, Gateway Arts Council’s mission is the same, art! Art is for Everyone!
If you have not had the chance to vote yet for a Bad Art by Good People artist, you still have time! You can stop in at the Gateway Arts Council office or you can do it online at gatewayartscouncil.org. Under the “upcoming events” section in the middle of the web page you will see “9th Annual Bad Art by Good People”. Click on that link where you can cast your vote online, 1 vote is $1, 5 votes are $5, etc. The Bad Art Ball is taking place on Oct. 3 at the Palazzo in Botkins, which will include a dinner and the auction of the Bad Art.
For more information about the event or to purchase dinner tickets, contact Ellen Keyes, [email protected], or call 937-498-2787.
