19 Jul 2015 South Conway County School District art show

During the month of April, students from kindergarten through 12th grade in the South Conway County School District held their annual art show at the Rialto Art Gallery. Under the guidance of Mollie Williams and the art teachers of the SCCSD, several hundred paintings and drawings covered the gallery walls.

“Part of our mission at The Rialto Art Gallery is to enlarge the arts in Morrilton for the kids,” Williams said, adding that not only does the art gallery want to expose the children to various forms of art, she also wants them to participate.

This is the eighth year that the SCCSD has presented this event. “I am so glad that the Rialto has these art shows/competitions that include our students. One of the goals Mrs. Katrina Walls and I set when she was hired was that I wanted to see our student artwork showcased! Opportunities like this let our students shine! I love to see our kids shine!” said Primary School Principal Sharon Wilson.

South Conway County School District Superintendent Shawn Halbrook echoes Wilson’s sentiments. “Our art program at South Conway County School District, partnering with the gallery here at the Rialto, is an outlet for many of our students. It sparks their creativity, which assists the students in probable thinking with 21st Century skills in our 21st Century economy. It’s very important that we cultivate that creativity, and we have an excellent staff, not only in our art program, but in our performing arts with our band and choir program. We have absolutely wonderful art teachers, and as you can see, we have wonderful students with tremendous talent. The talent in our small town is something to behold.”

Senior Hannah French attributes her love of art to the skills of her art teacher, Lynne Rutz. “She introduced me to all the different mediums like chalk and pastels and color pencils. She showed us all the different techniques. She is a really good art teacher.”

Rep. Rick Beck was impressed by the students’ work. “I got a chance to see what the future of art looks like for Conway County, and I was both inspired and amazed at the creativity of our youth.”

Art teacher Katrina Walls understands that art helps students in other areas. “Kids can learn so much about the world around them through art.  It’s the perfect catalyst for learning math, literacy, science and history in a very authentic and meaningful way.”

Morrilton Mayor Allen Lipsmeyer had words of encouragement for the students. “It’s very important for these kids to express themselves through art. Keep up the good work. Don’t feel like you can’t do it. The little kids starting out will aspire to be as good of artists as these kids in high school. You just have to keep working at it.”