Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

     Congratulations to Jane Haviland and the Hampton-Dumont High School’s art department for hosting a fantastic Art Show on April 7. Every 10 years H-D hosts the Annual North Central Conference Art Show, and this 26th year was inspiring!

     The top 15 pieces from the 10 participating school districts were well displayed, and it was so insightful to read each artist statement that accompanied the art chosen to represent their communities. Those art programs represented came from Algona, Bishop Garrigan, Clarion-Goldfield, Clear Lake, Eagle Grove, Hampton-Dumont, Humboldt, Iowa Falls, St. Edmonds and Webster City.

     From the whimsical to the drop-dead-seriously-awesome, this art show demonstrated that the visual arts are alive and well in North Central Iowa. And though high school students here in our area are great at multi-tasking and succeeding in a variety of cross-over fields, for some students, the visual arts are where many find their greatest voice and mastery.

     Not only do I champion those youth whose work was celebrated and awarded through the entire conference process, but I herald the creative service of each of the art teachers from the districts represented. In the face of budgeting challenges for arts education in the sometimes-shadows of an athletic world, it was evident that those teachers have imparted both skill and passion in order to see students develop increased creativity and critical thinking skills.

     Kudos, all, and to the Chronicle for covering the visual arts in Franklin County!

     Pamela Warwick,

     Coulter