CAC Holds First Student And Faculty Show

When you look at a painting, a sculpture or any artwork, can you tell who the artist has studied under? The Creative Arts Center's upcoming first ever "Student and Faculty" show, scheduled to kick off with a reception on Friday from 4:30 to 6 pm, will give you some ideas.

 According to Executive Director Amy Middleton, the idea for the show came to her last year when she overheard visitors admiring a member's painting, wondering who the artist had studied with. 

"It hit me," she recalled. "Wouldn't it be fun to show both — the work of the student alongside the instructor?"

The new show, expected to include some 100 pieces showcasing two dozen or so faculty as well as nearly 80 student works, will include pottery, all media of painting, sculpture, prints and jewelry. 

 In addition, landscape paintings by students from Cape Abilities and a large collaborative abstract painting by K-2 students at Monomoy Community Services will be part of the show. 

 Enabling viewers to see the instructors' work alongside their students, Middleton said, should "give the audience a clear picture of the faculty members' impact on students' lives and work."

 Middleton also likes that this show helps promote the education program of the Creative Arts Center. 

"It is a window into what our students are studying and learning," she said, as well as an opportunity to encourage them to perhaps try something new. 

 Having the instructor identified with the student's work might encourage people to sign up for a new course. 

"That cross-pollination might result in someone who is taking oil painting being in turn exposed to pottery pieces and wonder, ‘Who is teaching that...I'd like to try that out!’"

 As an artist and member of the Creative Arts Center faculty herself, Middleton loves the idea of the combined show. 

"It's a privilege to show alongside our students," she said. "We are so proud of our students and we want them to feel that pride as well."

 The show is not a competition, Middleton stressed, although people will have an opportunity to vote for the "People's Choice," both online and in person. Some of the works will also be for sale, Middleton said.

 By combining the student show with the faculty show, the center was also able to free up time in January for the members' winter show, Middleton said, an added bonus.

 The show kicks off with a reception open to the public on Friday April 4 from 4:30 to 6 pm. 

"This is not invitation only...everyone is welcome,” she said. “We are having it on a Friday evening so that everyone can come. It's a fun way to jump start your weekend!" 

 The show will be available for viewing at the Creative Arts Center at 154 Crowell Rd. in Chatham Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through Friday April 25. For more information, visit to www.capecodcreativearts.org.