Olivia Weddle was one of the VIPs honored at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art.
She painted her profile filled with emojis representing feelings, including “love,” “happy,” “surprised” and “scared.”
“I like to get creative with my imagination,” said the Corporate Landing Elementary fourth grader.
Her painting is among the approximately 250 pieces of student artwork on display through March 26 in The Fleming Gallery at the museum.
Each school selected three entries for the Citywide Student Art Show in celebration of Youth Art Month.
The young artists and their families were recently honored by the VBCPS Visual Arts Department at a reception in the museum.
Students proudly walked through the gallery with friends and family to look at their artistic creations.
Olivia’s mother, Ashley Weddle, beamed.
“Olivia loves art,” she said, adding that having the work on display validates her daughter’s identity as an artist.
Graysen Dunn’s parents and little sister escorted the Princess Anne Elementary second grader to the event. They applauded his “Outer Space” painting.
“He’s always had attention to detail,” said his father, Garrett Dunn.
VBCPS Visual Fine Arts Coordinator Amber Hester welcomed attendees. She explained March was designated as “Children’s Art Month” in 1961 by The Council for Art Education, and changed to “Youth Art Month” in 1969. The nonprofit organization advocates for quality art programs within schools nationwide.
Hester thanked MOCA for the partnership and described the event to honor the young artists and their works as “the thread that brings us all together.”
She introduced director of K-12 and Gifted Programs Crystal Wilkerson, who congratulated the honorees and commended art teachers for nurturing the next generation of artists.
“Art is a fundamental experience that enriches our lives,” she said.
Grace Miller’s acrylic painting of her sister, titled “My Hazel,” was also part of the student art show.
The Kellam High School senior plans to study studio art and finance at Virginia Tech this fall. She credited her VBCPS art teachers with inspiring her along the way, especially her current art teacher, Laura Peters.
“She has helped me a lot with technique and encouraged me to challenge myself,” she said.
Janai Jones’ grandmother congratulated the third grade Indian Lakes Elementary artist with a bouquet of flowers. Janai’s self-portrait was part of the show. She thanked and hugged her art teacher, Rebecca Davidson, before heading home.
Davidson said recognition for students is important and impactful.
“They put their heart and soul into their artwork,” she said.
The Art Show will continue through March 26 at MOCA, 2200 Parks Ave., in Virginia Beach, and online at this link.