WS Chronicle

(pictured above: Jaya Miller looks at her artwork.)

Some of the best holiday art by local students was on display at the Delta Arts Center from Dec. 2–13.
An opening reception for the Top 100 Holiday Card Exhibit, co-sponsored by The Links Inc. and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools was held Thursday, Dec. 11.

Each year, art teachers submit work by their students for consideration for the school system’s Christmas card.

“The holiday card event has been going on for over 25 years. The School Board members and senior staff pick their favorite cards and we’ve been recognizing those cards and the artists,” said Brad Oliver, director of the school system’s Arts Education and Summer Enrichment programs. “We wanted to do something different this year.”

Assistant Superintendent Carol Montague Davis with Brad Oliver, and Lead Visual Arts teacher Penelope Freeland.

That something different is the art exhibit.

“This year we decided that they’re so many good cards that no one ever sees so we picked the top 100 cards to exhibit,” he said.

Many of the young artists attended the opening, including Kelly Templeton, a 13-year-old Hanes Magnet School student, who was impressed with the level of artistic talent on display.

Kelly Templeton

“I’m just really proud of all the people who made it this far. They’re really great artists and I think it’s great that their art is being displayed,” she said.

Sabrina Ellis with daughter, Brielle.

It was a surprise to Sabrina Ellis that her six-year-old daughter Brielle, a kindergartener at Gibson Elementary, is such a talented budding artist.

“When I got the news she was in the top 100, I couldn’t believe it. When they showed me the picture, I couldn’t believe she drew it,” Ellis said. “I thought maybe somebody helped her or something, but apparently she can draw really well.”

Jaya Miller, 12, has also kept her artistic talent under wraps. The East Forsyth Middle eighth-grader said the exhibit was the first time her work had been presented publicly.

“I’ve been drawing since I was really little; my sister taught me how,” Jaya said. “It feels really great to be recognized. I will continue entering competitions.”

Her mother, Tammy, said she will be there at every step to support her daughter.

“She’s really talented and that is not even close to what she’s capable of, so hopefully you will be hearing a lot more of her,” she said. “I’m very proud of her because this is the first time she has submitted something and it has built her confidence up.”

The opening was the first official event Deanna Taylor attended as a School Board member. The District I representative was elected in November and sworn-in on Dec. 9.

Taylor

“This is a way to show off our students’ talents, and they’re very talented,” Taylor said. “This shows how hard they’ve worked throughout the school year. They started these in August, and to see the results of such hard work is a beautiful thing.”

Oliver said he hopes the exhibit becomes an annual tradition.