Timonium Optimists, Library Showcase Student Art

LUTHERVILLE-TIMONIUM, MD - From Baltimore County Public Library: The Optimist Club of Timonium and the Baltimore County Public Library announce the ninth annual Young Artists Showcase, an exhibit of paintings, drawings and photographs by high school students in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Hosted by Baltimore County Public Library’s Hereford Branch, the free show will run March 1–25, 2018.

The artists’ works will be judged by plein air painter Lissa Abrams and fine art photographer Cathy Leahcraft. Awards for First, Second and Third Place in each of three categories—Painting/Mixed Media, Drawing/Graphic Design, and Photography—will be presented during the closing reception on March 25. Those who visit the exhibit throughout the month may cast a vote for the People’s Choice Award, which will be announced that evening as well.

The closing reception for artists, teachers, family and friends will feature an hour to view the art while serenaded by members of Mando for Kids, the youth program of the Baltimore Mandolin Orchestra, and an awards presentation emceed by Tom Rodgers, morning anchor at FOX 45 NEWS.

The Young Artists Showcase is sponsored by the Optimist Club of Timonium to recognize and encourage talented young artists in celebration of Youth Art Month in Maryland. Works from 80 students representing 31 public and independent high schools are pre-registered. More entries are possible. Art teachers have been requested to submit as many as three original pieces in any 2-D medium by students in grades 9–12. Only one entry per artist is allowed. Any high school in Baltimore City or Baltimore County is eligible to participate.

High schools that have entered artwork thus far in the 2018 Young Artists Showcase include Baltimore Polytechnic, Bryn Mawr, Calvert Hall, Carver Center for Arts and Technology, Carver Vocational-Technical High School, Dulaney, Franklin, Garrison Forest, Gilman, Hereford, Institute of Notre Dame, Jemicy, Kenwood, Landsdowne, Loch Raven, Maryvale, Milford Mill, New Town, Notre Dame Prep, Overlea, Owings Mills, Parkville, Patapsco, Perry Hall, Pikesville, Ridge Ruxton, Roland Park Country School, Saint Paul's, St. Paul's School for Girls, Sparrows Point, and Western.

Support from businesses in the community allow prizes to be awarded and hospitality to be offered at the closing reception. The business contributors include Blick Art Materials, Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing, Service Photo Supply, ShopRite of Timonium, Wegmans Hunt Valley and Weis Market of Towson.

The Optimist Club of Timonium is aa all-volunteer organization that serves the community through projects dedicated to bringing out the best in youth throughout the metropolitan area. For more information about the organization, visit TimoniumOptimist.org or Facebook/TimOptClub.

Baltimore County Public Library has been an anchor in the community since 1948 and continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of Baltimore County residents. Today, its 19 branches are safe zones, civic centers, technology hubs and spaces for ideas and learning. Baltimore County Public Library has offerings for the entire family to explore, learn, create and connect. For more information about branches and services, visit bcpl.info and follow Baltimore County Public Library on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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