May 9, 2009 — The small, intimate courtyard at Danica David Art Gallery and Luncheria on Company Street was the perfect venue Saturday for the viewing and sale of small original works of art by students from 15 local schools Saturday.
Close to 400 pieces, most of them 5 inches by 7 inches matted, were displayed on lattice and screen panels and on tables at the fourth annual Student Art Show and Sale.
Local artist Betsy Campen, organizer of the show and sale, said the pieces of art were coming off the walls faster than they could put them up. Campen said parents, grandparents, teachers and tourists were buying the art of students from public and private schools.
"The show and sales have been fantastic," Campen said. "With the economy the way it is we kept it simple with small pieces of art and reasonable prices. It really makes the students feel good, big time, when they sell a piece of work."
Campen commented on how good she felt at the age of 12 selling her first piece for $12. She added that is why she feels the show is so good for young artists.
Three students from Eulalie Rivera Elementary School were all smiles as they pointed out what they had left to sell after having sold all or most of their pieces.
"I am so happy I sold three paintings and I have three left to sell," said Amanda Mathurin age 10. "I love to draw what I see in my imagination. Sometimes, it comes out just like what I see in my mind."
Danica David, gallery owner and art teacher at Eulalie Rivera, said she was proud of her students.
"It is so awesome seeing them selling their work," David said.
David's student Dennisha Dubery, age 10, said she would like to have a gallery just like her teacher Ms. David.
"Someday I want my own business like Ms. David to sell my art," said Dubery. "I love art and it is my favorite thing to do. I watch cartoons and then draw them."
The majority of the pieces were selling for $10 and $20. Proceeds will go back into the art departments for supplies and four $200 art supply gift certificates for seniors who will study art in college.
The students were selling original designs done in water colors, pastels, mixed media, ink and watercolor, chalk, foil etchings and crayon. The art ran the gamut from sea-themed pieces to pastoral scenes to sugar mills to three-dimensional origami flowers.
The first fundraiser Campen held for student art supplies was the sale of hand-painted barrels as trash receptacles, the next year artists got creative with recycled items designing clocks from kits and last year the students painted birdhouses made from kits.
A raffle, with proceeds going to supplies, was held for an original by Campen of her sons desk he had at St. Patrick's School.
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