Budding, seasoned artists reveal connections through Delphi Art Show
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

Educational art Students of Hillcrest art teacher Sherri Cripe painted in the style of famed creator Pablo Picasso during the semester. The students then wrote poetry based on their works. These and many other forms of art by Delphi Community School Corporation art students will be on display at this year's Jack Sanders' Delphi Art Show. Pictured, left to right, are third graders Kolby Kinzie, Erika Carroll, Coy Cronk, Morgan Bennett and Jaimey Martinez. Comet photo by Kevin Schnepp

Anyone who loves creativity and camaraderie should find the 51st annual Jack Sanders' Delphi Art Show satisfies those cravings.

The exhibit, open May 6-10 at Delphi Community High School, will feature works by kindergarten to 12th-grade art students, along with new and veteran local Indiana artists. Show hours are 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. opening day and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. onward.

Opening day will be replete with painting demonstrations by students, refreshments, plenty of art to browse, and opportunities to meet and greet local artists. An auction will be held at 1:30 p.m. in the Little Theatre. Proceeds from the sale of concrete pig sculptures decorated by areas businesses, organizations and individuals support the Delphi Fine Arts Council. Superintendent Ralph Walker will serve as auctioneer.

At home with his work Delphi Community Middle School seventh-grade science teacher Alan McConnell provides a peek of his photography at his Carroll County home. As will be the case with several local artists, the public will have an opportunity to view his works when they are displayed at this year's Delphi art show. The show runs from May 6 to 10 at Delphi Community High School. Comet photo by Kevin Schnepp

Exhibit organizer Sherri Cripe said the show highlights talents of new and seasoned artists alike.

"The art show is a great opportunity for the kids to showcase their beautiful, creative minds," Cripe said. "And the artists who take part produce such magnificent works. It should make for another great show this year."

Cripe, an art teacher at Hillcrest Elementary, focused her students' attention this semester on famous artist Pablo Picasso. The topic coincided with the "Pig-casso" theme of this year's art exhibit.

Among many projects and lessons students experienced was how to mix painting with poetry. Students first painted in the style of Picasso then wrote poetry based on their renditions. Following are five examples of those creations (students featured along with their paintings in the photo associated with this story wrote the poems):

+ Wonderful girl, sitting, like a still butterfly, beautiful girl. - Morgan Bennett;

+ Blue blossom, standing, like a flower blooming, sunset. - Jaimey Martinez;

+ Drama queen, sitting down, like a singing cloud, dreaming. - Erika Carroll;

+ Big face, hitting his head on the table, like a giraffe running into an elephant, pretty picture. - Kolby Kinzie; and

+ Hot sauce, nice lovely lady, like the sun rising, painted lady. - Coy Cronk

Seventh-grade science teacher Alan McConnell can relate to the students' approaches to writing about their works. He is a local artist whose photographic works will be on display at the exhibit.

McConnell said his artistic passions come to fruition mostly through photography. His wife Elaine then writes descriptions to match stories behind the prints, much the same process as Cripe's students experienced.

"I believe a good teacher can tell stories well," McConnell explained. "One way I like to teach is to tell stories. And one way I am good at telling stories is through photography."

McConnell became interested in photography when he enrolled in a mini-course during his high school years in the 1970s. He said one of his philosophies is "life is memories."

"I hope to gather as many memories in my life as possible with my camera," he said. "I love to share memories with others, especially my students."

It's possible McConnell's artistic influence on young minds in his class could help inspire them to be featured in exhibits as he has.

One thing is for certain - at this year's art show the talents of many budding and seasoned artists will be on display and worth the visit to see.