Pictures Worth Framing

Forget the fridge; This artwork's going in a gallery.

Through March 20, Blowing Rock Frameworks is showcasing the art of students from Two Rivers Community School, with a reception scheduled for Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m.

"This was just a way to get some recognition for the art program at Two Rivers," gallery owner Tim Miller said. "It also allows the public to see the talent of these wonderful kids."

Two Rivers is a public charter school based in Watauga County, priding itself on "a learning environment that is relevant, active and project oriented," the school's Web site reads.

The show represents students from kindergarten through the eighth-grade, with 14 pieces on display, including work from kindergarteners Riley Darnell and Sidra Miller, first-graders Kylah Jackson and Walker Franklin, second-graders Fiona Marty and Galen Miller, third-graders Madeline Roark and Sadye Franklin, fifth-graders Beckham Jacquot and Zoe Frongillo, sixth-graders Reilly Tardiff and Savanna Randle, and seventh-graders Jadus Combs and Laurel Miller.

These students' works have been framed free of charge, courtesy of Blowing Rock Frameworks, for their families to take home.

"Just think, a first-grader takes this home, and his parents are going to hang it in the living room," Miller said, mentioning Walker Franklin's clever take on the classic still life.

Instead of just drawing a stationary apple, young Franklin includes a hand sneaking in to snatch it away. "Anyone who likes art should come out and view these wonderful pieces," Miller said.
Apart from recognition, the young artists will receive a lion's share of prizes from the show's sponsors, including art supplies and classes from Art Mart, gift certificates from Back Yard Burgers, art supplies and classes from Cheap Joe's Art Stuff, ice cream, fudge and more from Kilwin's, ice cream and more from the Marble Slab Creamery, and savings bonds from Wachovia Bank.

"Just from barely mentioning this show, so many businesses wanted to donate prizes," Miller said. "This is just something I wanted to do."

Blowing Rock Frameworks has a history of supporting young artists, primarily through hosting art shows for area schools, nine to be specific, including the Two Rivers exhibit, in just over a decade.

"I haven't done a kids' show in probably three to four years, but, for me, it's one of the most energetic and fun things I do, to see the raw talent come out," Miller said. "(Art teacher) Kelly Snider really gets them motivated. They don't have any boundaries, and they're not afraid to experiment."
Following the reception Saturday, Miller will turn the framed artwork over to Two Rivers, later to be presented to the students and their families.

Blowing Rock Frameworks is located at 7539 Valley Blvd. in Blowing Rock, next to the Food Lion. For more information, call (828) 295-0041 or visit http://www.blowingrockgalleries.com.