The show features art by students in grades K-12
The 63rd annual Battle Ground Public Schools District Art Show gives the community a chance to pick their favorite student creations by voting online for the first-ever People’s Choice Award. Community members can vote for their favorite submission at each grade level (primary, middle and high) through Sun., May 15. The top selections will receive an inaugural People’s Choice Award at the May 23 Board of Directors meeting. Board meetings are open to the public and available to watch online.
“One of my favorite things to do has always been to wander through the exhibits at the Clark County Fair and feel like I have a voice in what I think is artistic, even if it varies from the judge’s perspective,” said Allison Tuchardt, the district’s co-Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment and one of the organizers of the art show. “I hope the People’s Choice Award gives everyone in our BGPS community that opportunity and increases excitement around art in general.”
Tuchardt is the daughter of the late Bob Peck, an art teacher at Battle Ground High School for 37 years who created the District Art Show in 1959 along with Battle Ground city librarian Florence Rieck as a way for the community to enjoy the creativity of its students.
The District Art Show has morphed and grown over the years and remains a favorite event for students, parents, teachers, and community members alike. The show features art by students in grades K-12. This year’s high school pieces include 2D, 3D, Photography and Digital art. Planning for the annual event began in the fall when COVID cases were high, leading to the decision to keep the event virtual for at least one more year.
“My father loved being in the building to hang the art for the show,” Tuchardt said. “He would have been disappointed that COVID took away the opportunity for people to come to a school and experience an art gallery, but I think he would have been thrilled about the possibility that more people could see the students’ work in the online format. I am proud of his legacy, and he would be proud of BGPS for keeping it going through the adversities of a pandemic.”
After a brief, pandemic-induced hiatus, judging will resume this year. In addition to the People’s Choice Award, voted on by citizens, winning students will receive the coveted Bob Peck Award, the Superintendent Award, the Board’s Choice Award, Best of Show, and juried awards.
The public is invited to view students’ art on the district website and choose their favorites for the People’s Choice Award through May 15 at battlegroundps.org/district-art-show-2021-22/.
Information provided by Battle Ground School District.
