Young artists showcase their real superheroes

ST. PETERSBURG -- The visual and written work of 48 Pinellas County students went on display Saturday at the Arts Center children's gallery. Chosen from 120 entries submitted from seven schools, the works are featured in the fifth annual Word and Image middle school show, a partnership of the Arts Center and Pinellas County Schools.

The theme for this year's show, was "superheroes." The students portrayed people they admire and provided written statements explaining their choices.

Several children honored firefighters and police officers. Many chose family members.

Juan Garanton, a seventh-grader at John Hopkins Middle, drew his father, for whom he is named. In his essay, Juan explained that his dad is a professional artist who gives him inspiration. "Although I am known as the one and only Juan," he wrote, "I have to say that my dad is the one and only Juan."

Sandy Mann, a seventh-grader at Lealman Discovery, also chose her father because "he saved me when we were rafting in Tennessee." John Hopkins seventh-grader Bobby Payne chose his dad because "he taught me not to lie and not to be afraid."

Mothers and grandparents also were represented. Heather Janson, a seventh-grader at Madeira Beach Middle, explained that her mom is her superhero because "she is my Girl Scout leader, and she pays money every week so I can go bowling." John Hopkins sixth-grader Marlena Antonucci admires her grandfather because in spite of health challenges "he's taught me to never give up no matter what."

Amanda Cooper, curator of exhibitions at the Arts Center, said having their work juried and hung in a gallery is a good experience for young artists, and putting words to pictures is an invaluable exercise.

"I don't know if the art or writing comes first, but the idea is to bring them together," she said.

Three students received first-place honors at the show. Lealman Discovery eighth-grader Jarika Mack used oil pastels to paint a close-up of her mother's eye above a statement that said "She is my heart and my soul. She makes me glow." Sarah Ogdie, an eighth-grader at John Hopkins Middle, created an earth-toned woodcut of her father and thanked him for putting a roof over her head, food on her table, and for always backing her up. Palm Harbor Middle seventh-grader Elise Reyees created a mixed-media portrait of an unnamed hero who encouraged her in her "darkest moments."

The students' work will be on display at the Arts Center, 719 Central Ave., until March 15. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.

If you go

The artwork of these Pinellas County students will be on display at the Arts Center through March 15:

Coachman Fundamental: Erin Buell, Joey Romaine

John Hopkins Middle: Lindsey Kovalik, Bobby Payne, Elaina Berkowitz, Gerald Watson, Marlena Antonucci, Katie Peacock, Maria Pollauf, Paul Patrick, LaTasha Thompson, William Skinner, Marissa Palozzi, Sara Moussa, Brittany Chestnutt, Sarah Ogdie, Nick Slater, Nicole Weir, Juan Garanton, Leah Cuevas, Armelia Jeshili, Anh Ly, Brooke Kuenzler, Katie Lacker, Matt Knabe, Dayna Lazarus, Sierra Grant

Lealman Middle: Jarika Mack, Matthew Parslow, Shanda Wilson, Kris Heady

Madeira Beach Middle: Sarah Sagnis, Heather Janson, Drew Pope

Palm Harbor Middle: Michael Girardi, Taylor Syme, Erica Brandt, Sarah Plott, Brittany Teunis, Helena Zubkow, Elise Reyees, James Gulino, Sierra Steiner

Pinellas Park Middle: Zach Taylor

Safety Harbor Middle: Sarah Cornacchione

Tyrone Middle: Chris McKee, Samantha Fernandez, Preston Pace

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