Preparing Our Educators

OHIO Patton College of Education Hosts Art Auction, Raises $1,460 for Crooksville Students and Art Program

Crooksville students at the 2011 Art Auction

Crooksville students pose with Dean Middleton at the 2011 Art Auction.

ATHENS, Ohio (November 8, 2011) –Dozens of Crooskville Exempted Village School district students gathered around the Ohio University Kennedy Museum of Art’s second floor Monday night, dressed to the nines and hovering around their parents’ heels. They may have looked like a field trip of young art observers but in reality, they were art producers turned business people.

The students, from grades 1-12, were there for the fifth annual Art Auction — a collaboration between the Patton College of Education and nearby school districts that displays works of art for students then auctions them off. Proceeds are split evenly between the student who produced the work and his or her school’s art program.

Patton College of Education Dean Renée A. Middleton officially kicked off the silent auction at 6:30 after congratulating the student artists.

“We’ve been happy to have your art displayed in McCracken Hall where it’s been viewed by students, teachers and patrons but now it’s time for it to go on sale,” she said.

By the time the auction had closed at 7:30 p.m., the event raised nearly $1,500 that will be split between Crooksville Schools and the student artists. While the minimum bid for most works was $15, some paintings sold for as high as $125.

Storm Smith, a student in the ninth grade, sold two paintings at the auction. Both were assignments from an art class — one having to feature hands, and the other, perspective.

“I love to draw,” she said. “I just wanted mine to be colorful and different from everyone else’s. I’m really excited to have it displayed.”

This year’s events had a record number of school administrators present to support their students. John Toeller, Crooksville K-3 principal, was on hand to bid on the art.

“I thought this was a really good idea,” he said. “My experience with (Ohio University) has always been really positive.”

This year also marked the first time the auction was held at the Kennedy Museum.

“The Museum has been wonderful to work with,” Middleton said. “They do an excellent job of encouraging us all to be patrons of the arts.”

Crooksville student with her artwork at the 2011 Art Auction

A Crooksville student with her artwork displayed at the 2011 Art Auction.

To view more photos from the auction, visit our Facebook page.

Story by Alec Bojalad, photos by Mark Brunton.