RHS art students to showcase talents

Senior art students Joabou Mitchell and Agust Lopez display some of their artwork which will join pieces created by fellow Rector students in upcoming shows.

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"It's a busy time," said RHS art teacher Carolyn Caldwell. "We have a lot of shows coming up that we're preparing for."

Students currently are selecting pieces for display April 6 to 8 at the Rector Community Center as part of the Ten Penny Art Contest. Judging will take place Wednesday, April 8.

The art department then will partner with the Rector High School Helping Hands Foundation for a special show Friday, April 17, at the Crockett building on South Main Street. The show will feature the involvement of Rector native Dr. Paul Frets, who showcased his own considerable talents at the location last year in an art show held during Labor Day weekend.

Frets' involvement with the art department has been a welcome addition.

"Dr. Frets has been invaluable," Caldwell said. "When he came here last year with his show, the pieces he had done which emphasized design really changed the way some of our students looked at art as a possible career. It gave them an entirely new perspective."

Caldwell said part of what makes Frets so helpful in working with her students is his ability to relate to artists of all ages.

"He can communicate with seventh graders and seniors alike. How many college professors do you know who can do that?"

The Rector students also will take part in a show May 1 through 9 at the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center in Piggott. They will be featured in a public showing May 22 at the Piggott Community Center.

"The shows benefit the students because they allow them to share their talent with the community," Caldwell said. "It lets them take something they've created and share it with everyone else."

Among the students whose work will be on display are seniors Joabou Mitchell and Agust Lopez. Both students have shown their abilities in previous shows and are looking forward to doing so again.

"For me, art is peaceful," Mitchell said. "It's something that calms me down if I'm feeling stressed. It's also a lot of fun."

Lopez feels much the same.

"It's better than stressing over life. It lets you clear your mind and get away from whatever's bothering you."

Both students say they are anxious to share their work with those beyond the walls of the classroom, a sentiment shared by their teacher.

"Art is for everyone," Caldwell said. "That's part of the beauty."