Art on display

A future Pablo Picasso or Georgia O’Keeffe could have their work on display for all to see at the second annual Baxter K-12 Art Show.

Open from 4 to 6 p.m. March 30 in the east gym at the Baxter Community School District building, the show will feature work from students of all ages in a variety of mediums.

“We are really looking forward to it, it should be a good one this year,” art teacher Liz Gaffney said.

Starting with the elementary students, pieces will be on display featuring ceramic designs and papier-mâché work, a first for the kids that young.

“They are a little on the rough side,” Gaffney said of the papier-mâché pieces. “I love them because of the creativity.”

One of the more advanced artists, junior Mya Anderson, has been working to hone her craft for several years. She will have a variety of paintings on display along with some sculpture work.

Also featured at the show, placed in the center of the gym, will be works of art made by the two students who died in the past year. Gaffney said the families of the students agreed to bring pieces they completed to be seen by friends and community members.

“I think it will be a nice sense of closure for people,” she said.

The free event started last year as something Gaffney felt the school needed to do. With other activities throughout the school receiving their fair share of attention, Gaffney decided the art department deserved a night, as well.

“It is getting some recognition for our art students,” Gaffney said. “It was pretty successful, I was pleased. The community responded really well last year, they were really supportive.”

While the displays are beautiful, it does take work to make the show happen. Gaffney said anyone looking to volunteer help for set up or tear down of the event can email her at lgaffney@baxter.k12.ia.us. Set up will start at 10 a.m. Saturday and tear down will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com