Sixth grade art classes from the Poplar Bluff Middle School had an opportunity to view nationally renowned watercolor art on Friday, Jan. 8, at the Margaret Harwell Art Museum.

 

MHAM Director Steve Whitworth, who invited the district, noted that this is the first time the biennial exhibit has been hosted in the same location consecutively, having first been featured here in 2018.

 

"This is a tremendous event, with high-quality water media, created by top artists from coast to coach, border to border," Whitworth states in the exhibit program. "To be able to see the original work in person, up close, is a rare treat for the aficionado, and a great learning opportunity for fellow artists."

 

The Watercolor USA Exhibition features around 60 original pieces from artists across America and serves as a qualifier for selection in the permanent collection of the Springfield Art Museum, sponsored by the Watercolor Honor Society. Later this month, groups of students from the High School and Junior High will also get a chance to view the watermedia paintings.

 

"It's a unique opportunity for the kids to see a broad spectrum of art," commented art teacher Kelly Lawson. Her colleague Stephanie Link of the Middle School noted how time-consuming the medium could be considering how many layers of paint are needed for such high-level work.

 

The traveling exhibit will be on display for free through Sunday, Jan. 24, thanks in part to grant funding provided by the Missouri Arts Council. The MHAM, located at 421 N. Main St., is open to the public from noon-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

 

Above: MHAM Director Steve Whitworth discusses the watercolor exhibit with Middle School students.

 

Below: Sixth graders view and make observations about the watermedia paintings.