SILER CITY, N.C. — Jordan-Matthews High School artists will exhibit about 80 works during a juried art show on November 4 in Siler City.
“Path to the Woods” will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. in the JM Media Center. The one-hour exhibition of work by all levels of students, from Art I through Art IV Honors, is free and includes a reception with light refreshments.
The show is inspired by “Into the Woods,” the classic Broadway musical being produced at Jordan-Matthews with three performances from November 14 to 16. Art teacher Rahma Mateen-Mason said some artists have chosen a literal interpretation of the theme, while others are focusing on some element of the musical — incorporating fairytale characters or landscapes.
"The assignment was choice based,” she said. “Students are using lots of different media and styles. Some purposes of this project are for students to practice personal expression, explore different techniques and develop their artistic style.”
Cash awards will be presented by JMArts, the Jordan-Matthews Arts Foundation, with $100 for first-place and $50 for second-place in the show. Local artists Bronwyn Watson and Barbara Hengstenberg are serving as judges.
JMArts President Rose Pate said the art show also will exhibit larger-than-life puppets created by JM artists that will appear on stage during the musical. Artist Donovan Zimmerman from Paperhand Puppet Intervention in Saxapahaw worked with students during a residency this fall to help the high school artists refine papier-mâché techniques and produce the puppets.
“I’m always excited to see what our students have accomplished,” Pate said about the fall art show. “I’m also glad people can have a chance to see some of the puppets they have created for 'Into the Woods.' These pieces are going to have a lot of impact on the stage!"
The “Path to the Woods” art show is being presented with assistance from JMArts, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with about 80 members and five organizational partners working to provide what JM artists need to excel.
More information about the foundation, including major projects and how to become a member, is available online at JMArts.org. Tickets for “Into the Woods" are now on sale at JMArtsTickets.com.
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Student artists work with artist Donovan Zimmerman from Paperhand Puppet Intervention on puppets for the fall musical. Some of the puppets will be on display during the “Path to the Woods” art show on November 4 at Jordan-Matthews High School. (Photo by Rose Pate)