Children’s art exhibition begins Sunday

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WORTHINGTON — Students from District 518 EDGE Program’s art class will be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor when “Art for Children by Children” opens Sunday at the Nobles County Art Center.

The exhibition will feature artwork from students within the past two years, who were enrolled in the class.

Led by Rhonda Fueston and Matt Gaudian, the first through fifth graders have created what seems to be an animal world.

Fueston said the centerpiece of the exhibition will be Bull’s Eye the zebra and its four hog friends: Tasker, Tieger, Tater and Tooter.

Another eye-catching piece is the 8-foot-5-inch giraffe.

“It’s a giraffe but not the normal color of a giraffe,” said Erin Walerius, EDGE program coordinator.

The exhibition is funded, in part, by a grant received from the Southwest Minnesota Arts and Humanities Council.

“The one thing that I try to be cognizant about is the fact that these are little children,” Fueston said. “I find that animals captivate their interest more than anything else.”

Using animals as the focal point of her lessons, she teaches children how to paint and sculpt animals.

“I try to follow their ideas and listen to them,” she said.

Most of the materials used are recycled items ranging from white board boxes to carpet rollers.

Apart from the students’ work, Fueston plans to display a few art pieces from community members.

“I like the kids to see some things they can aspire to (do),” explained Fueston, who has been an artist for 25 years.

The exhibition will be the first of its kind for Fueston and her students, although she has, periodically, displayed several students’ art works at Northland Mall.

“My ultimate goal is for them to be inspired,” she said. “To counteract the instant gratification from computer games and that kind of stuff.”

The opening is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

“There is absolutely no health food,” Fueston said about the “kid approved” refreshments that will be provided.

Tags: news, art, exhibition