Delphi art show down but not out
Scaled back show causes formation of second event
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

The upcoming Jack Sanders Delphi Art Show, a popular 51-year tradition known for bringing together community and student artists, has been significantly scaled back by organizers this year.

In the past, the show was held in and around the high school commons and adjoining classrooms. Space concerns brought on by block scheduling led to adjusted room assignments according to Delphi Community School Corporation officials. There was also a change in show organizers.

High school art teacher Judi Brummett said former show planner Sherri Cripe added more to the event year after year. Due to reorganization, Cripe was no longer able to fill her role as show organizer. Unprepared for the extra workload, art teachers were not able to host the show in the same fashion. She said art teachers and administrators decided not to host a 2008 show at all. However, senior students said they would help make one happen, which made a difference.

Brummett said little time to organize the event remained when the decision was reversed. She said staff committed to do what they could to produce a show for the high school artists, along with a handful of professionals. However, no middle school or elementary students would be able to show pieces this year.

"We have to make the show manageable for the staff," she said. "We plan to revamp it so we can handle it and keep it alive for next year."

"Space concerns at the high school will not go away," she explained. "There are rooms we used for the art show that are occupied now due to block scheduling. We have to downsize (to stay at the high school) or move to another place."

DCSC Superintendent Ralph Walker said he was saddened to learn the show had to be cut back. He said he enjoyed and supported the show and hoped the staff could keep it successful. He routinely exhibits students' art on the walls of his office on a monthly rotation and was auctioneer for last year's show fundraiser.

"In my short experience with the show I have seen what a great event it has been for the students and community," he said Monday. "It is a great show for the young children who get to bring their art up with the high schoolers. I hope we can be better organized to do so again next spring."

Delphi mayor Randy Strasser expressed disappointment that the fullscale version would not be held. He said the show was a great attraction for the school and city.

"This is not a positive thing for art or the community," he said.

Brummett added that the 2008 Delphi Art Show will be April 25 from 6 to 9 p.m., April 26 from 4 to 9 p.m., and during school hours until 9 p.m. on April 28 and 29. The final day of the show will coincide with the high school poetry slam event to be held that evening in the Little Theatre.

Brummett said the school has secured a reservation to use the Wabash & Erie Canal Interpretive Center as a possible venue for the 2009 show.

Split produces second show

Carolyn Wood, who chaired Delphi Tri Kappa's involvement in the Delphi Art Show for more than a decade, said the club heard the news about this year's show "through the grapevine." She explained club members were not upset or angry.

"We are not angry," she said. "We are hurt and disappointed to be honest. We offered volunteer work, money and insurance for the show. Not to be included in conversations about the changes did not make us feel appreciated."

Wood said the art show's downturn presented an opportunity for the club. She explained Tri Kappa's members voted last week to host an art show at the Wabash & Erie Canal Interpretive Center in autumn. The club will try to coordinate with Hoosier Salon, a statewide organization that offers a variety of support and venues for artists. She said she did not know if a show could be put together for this year, but they would work hard to try.

"We're doing what we can to host an art show this year," she said. "We are excited about hosting a show on our own. Either way, we will host one in 2009."