Student Artwork Goes on Display

Student sculptures and paintings are showcased at the Anaheim Union High School District’s Student Art Gallery, which opens today.

Nearly 200 students, administrators and teachers are expected to visit the district’s Education Center to see a mix of portraits, masks and ceramics on display for the gallery’s dedication.

Paintings in pastels, oils and watercolors are on floor-to-ceiling paneling, and a lighted glass case holds ceramic bowls and papier-mache figures.

Gary Cleaveland, a photography teacher at Loara High School who helped renovate a hallway for the exhibit, said the art gallery makes the office look like “a kid and teacher place.” He said district Supt. Janice Billings suggested creating the gallery to encourage students’ creativity.

The artwork will be changed monthly by teachers at each of the district’s 23 junior high and high schools, said Bob Hatch, an art teacher at Orangeview Junior High.

“It will be a centerpiece for the district,” Hatch said, adding that he plans to take his students on monthly field trips to the gallery to see other classes’ work.

Student artwork is a new addition in several offices too. Hatch said the district hopes to develop a permanent collection that will be rotated through every office.

Jan Godke, director of instructional services, proudly showed off a 5-foot-tall Expressionist-style painting of a young girl. She said the art, displayed on her office wall, will remind administrators that they are working to help students.

“I wanted art in my office because this is a kid place,” she said. “The gallery is the superintendent’s way to make sure that this is known to everyone as a kid place.”

The Student Art Gallery is in the Education Center, 501 Crescent Way. Information: (714)999-3511.