August 28th the Xavier University Art Gallery will host “Art at the X.” This year’s theme celebrates high school art teachers from around the country in this juried exhibition. It is such a privilege to be included in this show. Not only was it a tough jury by Matt Distel, the theme is near and dear to my heart. I thank XU for deciding to honor teachers. Too often in the art world, teachers are not given the credit they deserve for being artists as well as educators. Their work is often not taken seriously. It’s all about the “those who can… ” mentality. Not only are high school art teachers gifted artists, they are inspiring young people to love art. Many of these students will go on to work in the fields of graphic design, fashion, education and so many more areas of creative expression. Schools are cutting art budgets and reducing the number of art classes. The state mandates are all but eliminating art requirements in music, PE and visual arts. I applaud Xavier for making their stand regarding the value of art obvious by devoting their beautiful gallery space to the work of high school art educators, past and present. I hope you will join me at the opening. Here are my selected pieces. They are each 36″ x 36″ and mixed media. 
