'Traveling VW Art Show'

By Ann Nichols

annsnichols@aol.com

A juried exhibition of student art celebrating the construction of the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga is on display at Hunter Museum of American Art.

All Hamilton County, private and surrounding area high school students in grades 9-12 could enter the contest, coordinated by Carrie Cook, art teacher at Ooltewah High School.

“At the beginning of the school year, some of my students were asking questions about courses they should take while we were discussing the VW plant,” said Ms. Cook. “One of them drew a sketch of a VW Bug in one of their artworks, and I thought we should have an art contest based on VW coming.”

Ms. Cook said that such an exhibit would show the community that people of all ages, and even potential VW employees, were excited about the future.

About 100 entries were received. Judges selected 20 drawings, paintings, photographs and mixed-media works for exhibition. Students represent Boyd-Buchanan School, Signal Mountain High School, 21st Century School, Tyner Academy, Ooltewah High School and LaFayette (Ga.) High School.

Meahgan Roberts of Ooltewah High School won Best in Show for her color photograph of an abandoned, rusty Volkswagen Bug parked in the woods.

Other winners are Jamie Trollinger, first place; Caleb Suit and William Hall, second place; and Stephen Cruz, third place.

Following the close of the show at the Hunter on Saturday, it will be on exhibit at Unum (March 9-31) and Village Volkswagen of Chattanooga (April 1-17).

“It’s an exciting show with a diversity of artwork and could not have been possible without the help of Karla Riddle, fine arts director for Hamilton County Department of Education,” said Ms. Cook.

The Hunter, 10 Bluff View, is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday; and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday. For information, call 267-0968.