Del. Anderson’s Art Day at the Capitol on Feb. 20

Delegate Richard Anderson, who represents the 51st District in Prince William County, will sponsor his second Art Day at the Capitol Program on Friday, Feb. 20 from 9:30 to noon in the Fourth Floor West Conference Room at the General Assembly Building.

The schools in his district–which include Brentsville District, Patriot and Woodbridge High Schools,  Lake Ridge Middle School as well as Nokesville, T. Clay Wood,  Antietam, Bennett,  Kerrydale, Lake Ridge, Marshall, Rockledge, Springwoods, and Westridge elementary schools, have been invited to participate.

Students who attend these schools had the opportunity to submit their art work through the Prince William County School Division. Selected student artists will have their art work displayed, and with their families will get a tour of the Capitol and be introduced to other House members.

Del. Anderson said art teachers nominated students’ work, which is being displayed at the Capitol from Jan. 14 to Feb. 28, while the House is in session.

“We think it is important to recognize the students’ artistic talents. It also gives the students a face to go with what is going on in the legislature, and it is important to develop a rapport with the students. Last year there were pastels, water colors and collages. We [Anderson and other legislators] tried to interpret what the artists were trying to convey. It was very interesting when they came to Richmond and explained their ideas, Anderson said.

Kristina Schnack Kotlus, Community Outreach Coordinator, from the delegate’s office met with Joyce Zsembery, the supervisor of the Arts for Prince William County Schools in December to coordinate the efforts between Anderson and the schools in his district.

Kotlus said, “Honoring student achievement in all areas is vital to encouraging success.  We have so many creative and passionate students in Prince William County, and we are honored to be able to showcase their talent.”

Cheryl Miehl, art teacher at Brentsville District High School, is excited about the Art Day at the Capitol and hopes her students will present their work.

She said she encouraged the art students “to submit artwork for consideration for this exhibition at the Capitol. It is a wonderful opportunity for them on many levels. It acknowledges the value and importance of the fine arts and the creative process. It also provides a chance for students to experience the process of submitting work for consideration and participating in the jurying process as we will have to determine the pieces that will represent Brentsville on a statewide level.”

Debbie Barnard, Prince William Schools’ administrative coordinator for the Arts said, “This annual event is a wonderful opportunity to showcase talented art students in PWCS. The students and teachers participating are very excited to have their work on display in the Capitol in February.”

The selected students’ art can be viewed at the Capitol through Feb. 28.