Riverview Art Gallery to Present Students' Work

Residents will have a chance to view the whimsical visions of artist Marc Chagall at the Beaux Arts in Winthrop Town Centre tonight.

Of course, they aren't the original paintings of the world-famous artist. They are students' interpretations of his works done in crayons, colored pencils, magic markers and other media.

It's an exhibit called "Small Works" and is the first collaboration between the Beaux Arts Gallery, 11252 Winthrop Main St., Riverview, and its neighboring schools, Symmes Elementary School on Watson Road and the Winthrop Charter School on Providence Road.

"It was a dream of ours to work with students in the area," explained Debra Bryant of the gallery. "We hope this is the first of an annual event open to the children of the community."

Bryant said the gallery sent out notices to the schools in October inviting children to participate in the juried art show by producing a work of art reminiscent of Chagall.

"Their art teachers explained who Chagall was as well as his inspiration, color and themes," said Bryant. "We chose Chagall because he used so many themes children could relate to like the circus, cows with umbrellas and fantasy flying."

Students were encouraged to work at home creating a Chagall-inspired work of art on 8 1/2 by 11 paper. "They could also create three-dimensional works in clay if they chose," said Bryant. "We chose a list of mediums that are available to every child, like crayons, magic markets, colored pencils, acrylic paints and watercolors. They could also use oils, ink washes, charcoal, tempera, pastels and gouache if they had them available."

Twenty-four children in kindergarten through fifth grade submitted works and 16 were juried into the show based on their recognizable Chagall characteristics.

"We were happy with the turnout and the children did a great job," said Bryant. "I was surprised at the talent. Some of the pieces are exceptional."

The seven winners of the competitions will be honored tonight, Dec. 1, at an opening reception at the gallery from 7 to 10 p.m. Ribbons will be distributed for first through fourth place, best of show and two honorable mentions. The students also will be treated to frozen yogurt from Menchie's in Winthrop Town Center.

"Of course, you want all the children to win but we thought it was important for them to learn about healthy competition at this age," said Bryant.

The 16 student works will be on display at the gallery throughout the month of December. The works will be for sale for $100 each with $80 going to the artist and $20 to the gallery for expenses. Purchased artwork may be picked up by Dec. 23 before 3 p.m., in time for gift giving.

For more information, email beauxarts11252@gmail.com or call 813-438-3844.