Art teachers' original works at Shanks Center - Sept. 5-Oct. 31

Thursday, August 15, 2013

photo Shanks Center for the Arts

One skeptical student inspired the collection of works comprising the next exhibit at the Shanks Center for the Visual Arts in Crossville, Tenn.

"Artists in Their Own Right" assembles the works of visual-art teachers in Cumberland County public schools as a way to show students what their teachers create beyond the classroom.

The idea was hatched, according to organizers, when a student challenged his teacher, "Are you really an artist?"

The teacher assured him, "Yes, I am."

He replied, "Well, I have never seen any of your work."

The exhibit will be featured in September and October, a two-month span when every fourth-grader in Cumberland County (more than 600 students) makes a field trip to downtown Crossville. The Shanks Center is one of the places they'll visit, and, this year, they'll be able to see their teachers' original works.

A first Thursday reception for visitors to mingle with artists, authors and musicians, is scheduled 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5. During the first hour, musical entertainment will be provided by North Cumberland Elementary School teacher Becky Bull, director of the Children of Crossville Chamber Orchestra.

The center at 140 N. Main St. is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday (all times are Central).

For more information, call 931-787-1936 or visit www.shankscenter.org.