Allegheny-Clarion Valley Students to Be Showcased at Red Brick Gallery Exhibit

David Drayer

David Drayer

Published April 3, 2018 4:23 am
Image

FOXBURG, Pa. (EYT) — The 4th Annual Allegheny-Clarion Valley Student Art Exhibit will be held at the Red Brick Gallery from April 7 through April 15.

The gallery hours are Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sundays 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The opening reception for the exhibit is on Sunday, April 8, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. before the ARCA concert “HeartStrings: East Meets West” in Lincoln Hall.

The Talent Code

What is the secret of talent?  And how do we unlock it?

Daniel Coyle’s bestseller The Talent Code defies the notion that one either has a talent for art, sports, math, music, etcetera, or they don’t. The book’s subtitle succinctly sums up his theme: “Greatness is Not Born. It’s Grown.”

From first-hand research traveling to nine of the world’s hotbeds of athletic and artistic talent combined with cutting-edge neurological research, Coyle discovered three keys to grow talent by tapping into a newly discovered brain mechanism called myelin. These are “deep practice, ignition (or motivation), and master coaching.”

What does this have to do with the exhibit of Allegheny-Clarion Valley student art at the Red Brick Gallery in Foxburg from April 7, 2018, to April 15, 2018?

For many years in the small classroom of veteran A-C Valley High School art teacher, Anita Allen, inspired a lot of creativity. Walking into her space–a full-fledged artist’s studio–one will see pottery cooling on a table, linoleum prints hanging to dry, and students at tables around the room working in a variety of media from watercolors and acrylics to charcoal and pastels.

A closer look reveals all three of Coyle’s talent code keys at work. Students are engaged in hands-on deep practice, motivated by the artwork of the greats, and master-coached by Allen on techniques and skill-building. It is non-traditional in an academic sense, but it is one of the best metaphors for lifelong achievement based on the insatiable desire to become “better.”

Five seniors who have taken art classes throughout high school are going on to study art next year at the Pittsburgh Technical Institute and La Roche College. Allen’s art classes become meaningful vocational training for employment in graphics and computer design.  One hopes that when Allen takes her retirement in the next few years that the A-C Valley School System will honor her legacy by ensuring that art instruction continues for grades 7 to 12.

Anyone wanting to see results of this instruction can do so when the Red Brick Gallery opens its season for the fourth consecutive year with the exceptional artwork of 100 A-C Valley students, from grades 7 – 12, sponsored by Allegheny Riverstone Center for the Arts.

Red Brick Artistic Director, Donna Edmonds said, “When the Gallery opened it’s 2015 season for the first time with an A-C Valley Student exhibit, I didn’t know what to expect, but it was phenomenal.  The work was vibrant and explosive! We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to drop by to support the students.  It’s a great experience that leaves everyone with a sense of awe for the freshness and talent of these young artists. ”

A-C Valley art teacher Anita Allen said, “Students have been working on their art for this exhibit throughout the year. It’s amazing to witness their creative process in the various media in which they have worked.  I am grateful that ARCA is exhibiting their art in the Red Brick Gallery again this Spring.  It’s important for the students to see their artwork displayed publicly. Our community, without a doubt, will get a true idea of the artistic skills our kids have when they see the quality and creativity of this exhibit.”

The Red Brick Gallery and Gift Shop are located at 17 Main Street in Foxburg.

For more information visit www.alleghenyriverstone.org

2018 A-C Valley POSTER.short.FINAL copy 2 4

Recent Articles

Community Partner