Art instructors from 16 schools in Pajaro Valley Unified School District hung more than 400 pieces of student artwork in the Civic Plaza Building March 28 as part of the Annual PVUSD Student Art Exhibit.
The art will be shown for the next year on both floors of the Watsonville Public Library, the fourth floor where the Community Room and City Council Chambers are, and the hallways of the Family Court.
The exhibit is running at the same time as a group show at the Santa Cruz County Building, 701 Ocean St.,that also features more than 400 artworks by Santa Cruz County students, including scores from PVUSD. That exhibit, put on by the Arts Council Santa Cruz County, runs through May 3.
Of the Watsonville show, Rhianna Hurt, art teacher and special curriculum coach, said “This year-long exhibit is a great way for students to show their artwork, especially after so many cutbacks to the arts in public schools,” said “There’s a lot of talent here, and these students are happy to get their work out in public. And the students art show, through the Arts Council in Santa Cruz, is just further support of students. It’s a great way to engage their families and their communities with young art.
Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian MIDNIGHT STYLE A seventh grader at Alianza Charter School created this painting that is showing at the Santa Cruz County Building.
Both shows include scores of media, including watercolor, paint, etchings, collage and photography.
“We’re getting a lot of help from volunteers with framing and hanging the Watsonville show,” Hurt said. “There are so many obstacles and we need a lot of help. Pajaro Valley Arts has been really helpful, thanks to the efforts of Judy Stabile; she’s a superhero.”
An artist reception—which is open to the public—will be staged on the fourth floor of the Watsonville Civic Plaza on May 8 from 4:30-6:30pm. People can meet the artists, see the art and enjoy dance and music performances by students.
