The Concordian

Media Credit: Dr. Reidmiller Daniel White shows students his artwork in the Arthur Butcher Gallery. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Dr. Reidmiller [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Dr. Reidmiller Susan Price demonstrates how to operate a table loom. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Dr. Reidmiller Jamie Biggs demonstrates his pottery skills at the wheel. [Click to enlarge]

Concord University’s Art Department welcomed a group of Woodrow Wilson High School Advanced Placement Art students on Dec. 7.

The visit was a collaborative effort between Dr. Lauri Reidmiller, Art Education Professor at Concord University and Sandy Shaw, art teacher at Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, West Virginia.

During the visit, the students were given a guided tour of the art studios located in the Alexander Fine Arts building and the Rahall building.

During their visit, they were given the opportunity to view various demonstrations including pottery, jewelry, photography and graphic design.

Jamie Biggs, the ceramics professor, demonstrated his skill as a potter by throwing a large pot on the pottery wheel while discussing the ceramic’s program.

The instructor of jewelry, Rita Montrosse and a current student, LeKecia Entrot  demonstrated techniques such as soldering and casting.

Concord Art Education major, Susan Price, demonstrated how to operate a table top loom as well as weave a piece of fabric.

Kevin Bennington, the Graphic Design Instructor, presented a power point presentation for the students.

The students were also able to speak with Steven Hunt, the photography instructor, and watch Concord art students develop photographs in the darkroom located in Rahall.

The students were also given the opportunity to tour the Arthur Butcher Art Gallery. During their visit they viewed and spoke with a senior studio major, Daniel White, about his pieces.

Professor Fernando Porras  supplied the students with an overview of the Drawing, Watercolor and Illustration courses offered here at Concord University.

Lastly, the students were treated to lunch in the cafeteria, where they had a further opportunity to visit with the faculty including Jack Sheffler, Professor of Art History and Printmaking, and Concord art students Sarah Halton, Denise Ward, Kate Armentrout, Kayleigh Phillips and Nate Harris.

This visit has continued a growing partnership between Dr. Reidmiller and Sandy Shaw. These two women are both members of WVAEA the West Virginia Art Education Association and met last year when Dr. Reidmiller presented a workshop at the WVAEA 2009 “Day in the Studios” at Tamarack in Beckley, WV.

Assisting Dr. Reidmiller with her presentation was her students: Victoria McInturff, Misty Hendricks and Denise Ward; Art Education majors from Concord University.

In November, Dr. Reidmiller went to Woodrow Wilson High School to conduct a “Morning of Printmaking” workshop. Since she had already shared two printing techniques with the high school students in November, she decided to introduce them to other studio areas including photography, ceramics, jewelry, etc.

“There is no substitute for the experience of visiting a University campus. Then visitors will see firsthand why students choose to come to Concord University,” Dr. Reidmiller said. Her recruitment efforts include visiting local schools to arranging for students to visit Concord’s campus. She also encourages local high school art teachers to come visit our campus.

“We have a very dynamic Art Department at Concord University. Our department coordinates a variety of programs and professional experiences geared to enhance classroom instruction and student learning.” Dr. Reidmiller said.

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