Art transcends time as annual downtown celebration returns from COVID exile
The downtown Oshkosh Art Show is an annual celebration that compiles student works into a one-of-a-kind display at the Masonic Temple. Cream-of-the-crop students from all grades and schools came together on a chilly November Saturday to appreciate the masterpieces. West art teacher Linda Geffers is grateful for the opportunity to help rerun the event.
“Unfortunately, there was not a show during the pandemic,” she said. “We are very proud of the outcomes of our students, and we enjoy sharing it with others, especially community members who most likely would never see it. We were all very happy we were allowed to bring the show back this year to celebrate the accomplishments of our students.”
Junior Len Kloss felt the loss of the art show was a let-down in the previous year.
“I was a little disappointed,” they said. “It’s a good opportunity to go out and see different kinds of art from different schools and I feel like it’s a lot of inspiration as well, seeing other people do what they do.”
Although the show made its fated return, there were still a few necessary implications and limitations set in place due to the pandemic.
“We were asked to scale it this year to prevent overcrowding at the show in regards to Covid concerns, so we did not showcase nearly as many pieces as we would normally do,” Geffers said.
Due to size restrictions, the selection process for the pieces became more exclusive. Geffers looks for unique creations to present to the general public.
“We like to show a good representation of mediums, techniques, and styles,” she said. “In addition to the skill of the work, we like to add pieces from students who may not be the strongest artist but put in a lot of effort and have overcome obstacles to make the piece come together.”
Kloss explored and admired the wide variety of materials used to create the artwork.
“There was 3D art, paper mache, clay, and different mediums like oil paint,” they said. “It’s cool to see the diversity.”
Spectator Michael Newer enjoyed checking out the work from all ages.
“My grandson and granddaughters' display were there,” he said. “I am just amazed by the variations of how good they are. This is wonderful.”
The show exhibits artwork across all ages. Fifth grader Keira Lo was happy to share her works with the community.
“I love being in art,” she said. “It helps me express myself.”
Kloss took comfort and joy from seeing the early works of art from the youngest Picassos.
“I did really enjoy looking at all the little kids and all the elementary kids’ art,” they said. “Their little art pieces, I thought those were pretty cute.”
Kloss had work presented in the showcase and felt proud of their work.
“I did a monochromatic blue colored pencil drawing of Bo Buhrnam,” they said. “Colored pencils are my favorite. It’s good for getting lots of detail in pieces and I think it looks really good in the end.”
Geffers feels proud to recognize outstanding students, but also empathizes with students who didn’t make the cut.
“Art teachers struggle with handing out the awards indicating a piece has been selected to be part of the show,” she said. “We feel bad we can’t include a piece from more students, yet we want to celebrate the students whose piece was chosen.”
The show requires plenty of planning to run picture-perfect.
“The show is located on the second floor, so it isn’t the easiest to get everything up there, especially since there is limited parking,” Geffers said. “We make several trips up and down. We also have to remember everything such as extra staples, tape, labels, etc. as there are no supplies at the Temple.”
Moving past all the challenges and hardships, Geffers feels the hard work is worth it to see the joy sparked in the community.
“This is the only K-12 Art show we ever have, so it’s great to see what all my art colleagues are creating with their students,” she said. “I also enjoy seeing students bring their family to the show to see their work. It’s a proud moment for them.”
by Hannah Chung and Cora Pizon
Oshkosh West Index Volume 118 Issue 3
November 29th, 2021