Children’s Art At Duracell’s Corporate Gallery—

A Is For Art!

BETHEL — Nearly 30 pieces of art, representing 18 local artists, are currently on view in the Corporate Gallery at Duracell in Bethel. The artwork is in watercolors, Plastalina clay, acrylics, pastels, cut paper sculpture, pen and ink, graphite, and mixed media, and represents the work of children who are students of The Art Spot.

An opening reception for the show, called “A Is for Art,” was held at the gallery last week. The artists and their friends and families were able to enjoy the art in its final presentation along with hors d’oeuvres and a few hours of networking.

“This is the second time Duracell has hung a children’s art exhibit including the work of students from The Art Spot,” said Joanne Hunter who, along with her husband Bruce, owns The Art Spot and curated the Duracell exhibition. “We see this as a breakthrough in that a corporation again recognizes that art and the creative experience has no age boundaries.”

The first show presented by The Art Spot of children’s artwork was “Expressions,” in January 1999.

“Art, and especially children’s art,” continued Mrs Hunter, “can affect you so directly. The pieces on exhibit are unencumbered by convention yet maintain their complexity and interest.

“Duracell should be congratulated for proving that the young artists’ works are taken seriously. This is another step in our art advocacy, illustrating the importance of all creative processes as an enhancement of our quality of life,” she added.

Artists themselves, Bruce and Joanne Hunter began to bring art into the corporate art world three years ago. The Art Spot is a school for “artistic creation and adventure at all levels,” and the Hunters felt their initiative to teach art could be taken a step further with public exhibitions of student works.

The first venture with Duracell was an exhibition of works by their adult students in late 1998. “Expressions: a children’s art exhibit” followed a few months later.

“The highly favorable reaction of the children, their families and guests, as well as the employees of Duracell, has been overwhelming,” Mrs Hunter said earlier this week. “We are extremely proud of our young artists.”

The public may view “A Is for Art” during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. Duracell is in Berkshire Corporate Park, on the Bethel-Brookfield line. Call The Art Spot, 775-4224, for details.