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Space to Showcase Art Encourages Students: Warren Credit Union Hosts Pieces

Posted on: Thursday, 13 April 2006, 06:00 CDT

By John Masson, Detroit Free Press

Apr. 13--It's not usually a great idea to loiter in the lobby of a financial institution. But this month, that's exactly what the management of METRO Credit Union hopes will happen.

Because art takes time. And with such a large display of paintings, sculpture and pottery set up in the lobby, rushing up to the teller to cash that check might not be the best thing to do.

It's the seventh annual Celebration of Student Art, cosponsored by the credit union, the Southwest Macomb Technical Education Consortium and four participating high schools: Center Line, Fitzgerald, Warren Woods Tower and Lincoln.

"We have everything there, from jewelry to ceramics to print-making," said Center Line art teacher April Walker, one of the show's organizers. "Any medium that we teach."

From now until April 27, customers and the general public are invited to view more than 100 pieces of art submitted by the high school students that are set up inside the credit union, on Chicago Road between Mound and Van Dyke in Warren. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays.

"The principals of the schools got together seven years ago and decided they wanted to showcase the best of the best in our local community, in a credit union that a lot of our community uses," Walker said. "We give out monetary prizes and award certificates, and we have a reception. It's been going great."

The reception, held Tuesday evening, drew students, parents, teachers and other guests. Three students walked away with cash prizes. More important than the money, though, is the encouragement budding artists receive from their audience.

"Actually, some kids have been asked to sell their work," Walker said. "Some kids have been encouraged by their friends and their families to maybe pursue a career. If they've been on the edge, maybe it made them realize -- especially if they won an award -- that they might pursue some art-related field."

Contact JOHN MASSON at 586-469-4904 or masson@freepress.com.

photo

Art is on display at the METRO Credit Union in Warren from students at Center Line, Fitzgerald, Warren Woods Tower and Lincoln high schools. (Photos by RICHARD LEE/Detroit Free Press)

The big winners

A three-judge panel of arts professionals awarded 49 prizes to the 116 entries in the seventh annual Celebration of Student Art contest. The top winners are:

Best of show: Sculpture by Shoua Vang, Fitzgerald High School.

First place, best two-dimensional piece: Lauren Kosek, Warren Woods Tower High School.

First place, best three-dimensional piece: Trang Nguyen, Fitzgerald High School.

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Copyright (c) 2006, Detroit Free Press

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Source: Detroit Free Press

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