On Sunday January 24th, the Mattawoman Creek Art Center (MCAC) held their 11th Annual Six Picks Student Exhibit which showcases the art works of Charles County high school students. Delegate Levy and I had the honor to present the student artists with their award certificates and prizes.
Barbara Stepura, Chair of the art show, opened the ceremony by thanking us for attending and for our support in getting the MCAC driveway paved so that patrons no longer have to drive on a dirt road to the art center. MCAC President Mary Agnes Swann also presented a lifetime membership certificate to Delegate Levy for his support of the MCAC since his early days as a county commissioner. Ms. Stepura closed the event by saying that all the students were winners even if they didn’t get a ribbon or a monetary prize. She said that having their art works displayed at the MCAC meant that they had really accomplished something great. The entries were judged by Ms. Sally Parker who studied art at both the University of Maryland and at the Smithsonian.
It was a pleasure to spend time reviewing the students’ drawings, oil paintings, ceramics and photographic works on display; and I was sincerely impressed with the talents of the Charles County high school students. Arts programs in schools enhance the educational experience for all students. I reminded the students and their parents that the Charles County delegates have scholarships available for 2010 high school graduates which can be used for art degrees as well as other fields of study.
2 responses so far ↓
Barbara Steprua // Feb 12th 2010 at 4:44 pm
Thank you for the wonderful coverage of this event, and for your continuing support for the arts in Charles County.
Joe Troy // Feb 16th 2010 at 5:59 pm
I would like to thank Delegates Murphy and Levy for their support of this event and their efforts over the years to improve the art center. I have always felt that MCAC is one of Charles County’s Hidden Secrets, and everyone who discovers it walks away a better county citizen enriched with the sense that the local visual arts scene is alive and thriving. As a veteran Charles Ccouty art teacher of 32 years, I can attest to the excitement created by this particular show for our students and their friends and family. A big thank you to our county government, the staff at MCAC and the employees of our local school system for lending their support for the wonderful work that our art students create each and every school day in the Charles County School System.
Joseph Troy
Art Teacher/ Department Chair
La Plata High School
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