(Posted Feb. 23, 2017)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
Emily Wilson can now say her artwork has hung in a gallery for the public to see.
The Madison-Plains High School senior is among the youngest artists represented at the London Visual Arts Guild’s Community Show at Gallery On High.
Each year, the guild invites artists and writers of all ages to submit artwork, poetry and essays for the annual show. Sandy Fox, guild president, said it’s a great way to shine a light on both known and newly discovered local talent.
Wilson found out about the opportunity during a visit to the gallery on London’s Old Fashioned Christmas night in late November. Guild members encouraged her to submit items to the show. She did and now three of her pieces are on display—two pencil drawings, “Abandoned House” and “Edward Scissorhands,” and one mixed media piece, “American Horror Story.”
Wilson attended the opening reception for the show in early February, mingling with other artists and the public.
“It was a new experience, having people talk to me about my art. Mainly, they were surprised at how young I am,” she said.
Wilson has packed her high school schedule with art classes, taking four her freshman year and two each of the last three years. Her hard work has paid off, not only in confidence to enter a public exhibition, but also in the selection of two of her drawings (the pencil drawings mentioned above) for entry in the Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition.
“I like drawing kind of strange things, stuff that is more like fantasy and creative, instead of still-life,” she said.
Wilson also has developed a talent for special effects make-up. She lends her talents to local school and church productions, as well as Mount Sterling’s annual Ghoul School Halloween attraction.
After graduation, Wilson is considering enrolling at Columbus State Community College for art or a school in Pennsylvania for special effects.
The London Visual Arts Guild’s Community Show remains on display through Feb. 26. Gallery On High is located at 5 E. High St., London, and is open Tuesday, 4-8 p.m., Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
The guild also offers art classes. The schedule for March is as follows:
- Beginning Stained Glass—For ages 18 and older. 1-3 p.m. March 5, 12, 19 and 26 at Synchronicity, 9 E. High St., London. Cost: $70. Call Tony Reeder at (614) 420-0371 to register.
- Art Fun For Youth—For students in grades 1-6. 3-4:30 p.m. March 12, 19 and 26 at Studio 7, 7 E. High St., London. Cost: $15 per session or pre-pay $40 for all three. Call Colleen VanSteen at (937) 654-6618 to register.
- Painted Quilt Squares—For ages 14 and older. 1-4 p.m. March 21 and 28 at Studio 7. Learn how to blend and shade acrylic colors. Cost: $45. Call Colleen VanSteen at (937) 654-6618 to register.
