Thanks to the help of volunteers at the Pajaro Valley Arts and staff from the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, the four-story Civic Plaza Building in Watsonville has been dressed up with an exhibit of original student artwork for the next year.
The effort has become a Pajaro Valley tradition over the past several years to showcase art in the hallways and office spaces throughout the building, including around the City Council Chambers hallway and the courtroom area.
“The feeling of this show is a celebration of all the artwork of the students, and the dedication of the teachers in our district who work with those students to produce amazing artwork,” said PVUSD curriculum coach Rhia Hurt.
The exhibit features more than 400 pieces of artwork, including photography, collage, watercolor, oil, pastels, drawings, acrylic and colored pencil.
“Part of the creative process also includes a full circle of making the art, getting critique, feedback, sharing with peers and finally exhibiting it for an audience,” Hurt said. “Students get all of that through this exhibit.”
Bradley Elementary School teacher Branan Freeman, who has been helping put up the shows for the past seven years, said he enjoys the enthusiasm the students have for displaying their work.
“It’s really exhilarating to see all of the hard work that students put in,” she said. “There are first graders, second and third graders—on and on—that, when they come here and spot their artwork on display, they just have the biggest smiles on their faces. Their families are also here celebrating with them. The place that art serves in our society—a space to celebrate line and shape, color, variety, and texture—it’s a joyful space and we need more joy.”
A reception is slated for May 15 on all floors where the art is now being shown from 3-6pm. The public is invited.
