Under the leadership of Michael Ross, Campbell High School’s IB Art Program is thriving, but unless you are a student or a parent at the school, you wouldn’t necessarily know it. Councilmember Tim Gould and Michelle Murphy, both parents of seniors in the program, knew right where to turn to change that: Robert Harrison and Vanya Foote, two of Smyrna’s most dedicated arts leaders.
“A public exhibition of local students’ artwork is an ideal way to connect our residents with our arts community, support our Smyrna area schools, and provide an engaging community event,” says Tim Gould, Mayor Pro Tem whose son, Jack, will be featured in the exhibit. “In one call to Robert to pitch the idea of an exhibition, he quickly said yes and offered to host an event at The Old Smyrna Firehouse.”
The event, happening Saturday, April 20th from 6-9pm, will immerse students in a professional gallery opening, adding to their four years of academic artistic growth the “experience of taking their work beyond the walls of their classroom,” says parent Michelle Murphy. “We want this to become a regular event supporting the students.”
Creating a hub for arts events was Robert’s goal for his dynamic home. “Since Smyrna doesn’t have an Arts Center or a gallery space even, I wanted to make a space that was large enough to host events of that nature – to have kind of a clubhouse for the arts community.” A co-founder of Indie Arts Alliance, Robert is also a Smyrna Arts Council board member, working with President Vanya Foote to bring Arts to the forefront.
Facilitating a public exhibition of the students’ work not only rewards their efforts, but also provides the forum for the art to realize its ultimate purpose “to be shared, to inform, to comfort, to educate, to entertain- to impact a community,” says Vanya. After the event on April 20th, part of the exhibit moves to the Smyrna Community Center for an extended display, sponsored by the Smyrna Arts Council and the City of Smyrna.
Community impact is “always greater with collaboration,” Vanya adds.
You’re Invited! Campbell High School Senior International Baccalaureate Art Show, hosted by the Indie Arts Alliance and Smyrna Arts Council. Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 6-9pm at the Old Smyrna Firehouse. 2889 Alexander Street SE, Smyrna. Learn more at smyrnaartscouncil.com.
