By Taylor Downs
For The Salisbury Post
Express yourself?
Many students did this year through the fourth-annual Student Art Expo.
Their art will be displayed at the Civic Center, 5-7 p.m. Thursday; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.
Students from all of the county’s public and private schools have been invited to participate.
There will also be artwork by children in Iraq through a program called Iraqi Art Exchange. Children from the Middle East send their artwork to the United States and vice versa. The goal of this program is to change the idea of “the enemy” and hopefully create a more just and peaceful world.
“All art is to connect us to one another in a visual and a feeling kind of way,” said Carol Dunkley, a member of Carolina Artists who is heading up the student art expo again this year.
This evening, refreshments will be served and awards will be presented. Judges will be from Carolina Artists.
The awards, including honorable mention, will be given in all categories. Prizes will consist of art supplies.
Winners have been invited by Wachovia Bank to display their artwork during May.
The Student Art Expo has grown dramatically over the past four years, Dunkley said. Beginning the first year with only 225 pieces displayed, many more are expected this year, she said.Also, new this year there will be a 15-foot-long canvas, “The Spirit of America,” that has contributions from artists at all six high schools.
The canvas has traveled throughout the high schools this semester, with Salisbury and Westas its last stops.
“It’s really great to be recognized for all our time spent, both inside and out of class. It makes the work worth it,” said Devereaux Swaim of Salisbury High.
“Make art, not war” was the slogan painted by students at Salisbury High.
Last week, juniors Emily Yelton and Glen Gray painted a background of blue and white around the top edge of the canvas.
Senior Jesse Mayorga sketched a peace symbol with metallic-looking pieces.
“I just kind of let loose, pretty much,” he said.
The canvas will travel throughout the state and ultimately end up in Iraq.