CT ONLY LCCC art gallery student/teacher stories

A powerful elixir for overcoming the perils of the pandemic involves finding a creative outlet for the soul and mind. There's no better example of this successful approach than the work currently being displayed virtually in the 53rd annual Lorain County Region Scholastic Art Exhibit, which is online now through March 19. This year's popular affair features roughly 325 pieces of work created by seveth- to 12th-grade art students from Lorain County, as well as various Huron County and Erie County schools. In many ways, the exhibit competition acted as a lifesaver for both teachers and students, providing an opportunity to parlay self-isolation into meaningful expression. For Vermilion High School art teacher Christen Schneid, the Lorain County Region Scholastic Art Exhibit is normally about getting as many students into the show as possible. This year, however, the efforts were more about seeking normalcy. "A lot of the pieces submitted this year really portrayed what the students felt and saw from their perspective about the pandemic itself," Schneid said. "Students are stronger than we know and they have been amazing through this whole thing. "I can't say enough how blessed I am to have students that are so passionate about art and wanted to excel beyond the classroom." Looking back over the last year in education, one of the biggest hurdles was overcoming the logistics of remote learning. For art educators, this meant providing guidance online, as well as getting supplies to students. Regarding the latter, Firelands High School art teacher Laura Tawil said she created standard art kits for students to pick up. The results proved to be well worth the effort on all accounts. "I've found some students digging deeper into their sketchbooks, completing work with more finish to the drawings — as a counter to being onscreen/online all day," Tawil said. "I'm getting some really great weekly sketches from students. "I have a couple of students independently digging deeper into digital drawing on their own devices. One student is burning through miles of thread on her sewing machine creating fashion and costumes at home." Regarding this year's Lorain County Region Scholastic Art Exhibit, Tawil said it was imperative that her students, some of whom have been preparing for since middle school, had the opportunity to submit work into what she called the "pinnacle of high school art competition and exhibition." Tawil's passion for the show is tied to the fact years ago as an Elyria High School student her work was on display at Lorain County Community College. Many of the Lorain County Region Scholastic Art Exhibit Gold Key winners talked about the annual affair providing a much-needed distraction from the pressures associated with life during a pandemic. "It allowed me to search a lot more and dive into my creative side," said Vermilion High School junior Alexander Neiger, who upon graduation will be attending college to become a physical therapist. "I was able to experiment with editing and finalizing my work." The experience was actually the opposite for Firelands High School senior Christian Malicki. "I've found it harder to get inspired during the pandemic," said Malicki, who after high school plans to enter the workforce. "But when I'm inspired, art helps to take my mind off of things and is a great de-stressor for me, especially while working with clay or painting." For perspective on the overall importance of the Lorain County Region Scholastic Art Exhibit taking place during a pandemic, Tawil said it best. "For this exhibition experience to continue for students — from the submission process to work being installed among peers to getting those pins and certificates — is a huge piece of normal for these students," Tawil said. "It's something that didn't get sacrificed this year." For more information, visit lorainccc.edu/stocker/beth-k-stocker-art-gallery. Contact John Benson at Ndiffrence@att.net.