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The Firehouse Art Gallery has hosted a wide array of events over the years. Some of the more recent ones included a fundraiser for Elephant Aid International, and the premiere of a documentary honoring local artist Paul Kwilecki. On Saturday, the Firehouse resumed what had once been one of its yearly events, the BHS and BMS student art exhibition. The yearly event was disrupted by the pandemic, and the event had originally included all grades, from elementary to high school. But according to Firehouse executive director Jessica Polsky, this year saw the gallery running out of room to run all grades together.

“The Firehouse Arts Center is committed to creating community and fostering artistic talent in all ages,” Polsky said. “We are honored to partner with the school system to showcase the students’ imagination and skill.”

Some members of the community made joking appearances, dressed up as artists like Bob Ross and Van Gogh, and even the Mona Lisa itself.

Some student’s artwork was sold that evening in a silent auction, and was also judged that evening, with awards broken up by school and the art’s medium. For BMS drawings, Ethan Knight came in first, Carmen Mills came in second, and Zariyonna Bell came in third. For BMS painting, Shelby McGee came in first, and Natasia Love took both second and third. For BMS mixed media, Katie Griffin took first, Jessi Reynolds took second, and Kristin Nichole Barfield took third. Ethan Knight also took the BMS Best in Show award with his drawing “Tupac”.

For BHS drawing, Alex Hatcher took first, Ansley Cook took second, and Hailey Moye took third. For BHS painting, Lizzie White took first, and Alex Hatcher took both second and third. For BHS ceramics, Kayra Mills took first, Paxton Pope took second, and Alex Hatcher took third. For BHS mixed media, Ansley Cook swept with first, second, and third place. For BHS watercolor/gouache, Alex Hatcher took first, Paxton Pope took second, and Ansley Cook took third. In BHS fibers, Jaeda Perez took first, Sara Logue took second, and Abigail Swain took third. There were three Best in Show winners: Hatcher, Cook and Mills.

BHS art teacher Rebecca Cole spoke with the Post-Searchlight about the event. According to her, students that sold artwork collectively made around $300. One student, Lainey Bailey, was even commissioned afterward to paint another piece. “The community really made our students feel loved and special. So many people gave us donations and high praise,” Cole said. “Personally, I consider this show to be one of the most colorful and interesting art shows we host at the gallery because the mind of a child is so interesting.” 

The student’s art will remain on display from 12:00-2:00 PM and from 4:00-6:00 PM this Thursday and Friday, and from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and from 5:30 PM-7:00 PM this Saturday.