Art Show Features

Art teachers aren’t just art teachers. They are also accomplished, well-trained artists in their own right.

And that was the idea behind having an art show to shine a spotlight — not on their students’ work — but on their own.

On the evening of Nov. 6, 12 art teachers from Catholic schools in Evansville and Newburgh attended a reception that featured their pottery and their paintings.

Anna Maria Whetstine is the owner of the 22 Jefferson Avenue Art Studios and Gallery in downtown Evansville. She’s also the art teacher at St. John the Baptist School in Newburgh.

Ryan Belmonte is the art teacher at Holy Rosary School, and Jeanne McGinnis teaches art at St. Benedict Cathedral School.

This fall, the three teachers came up with the idea of having an art show for diocesan teachers at Whetstine’s gallery.

“We wanted a group show, so art teachers could show their art,” Whetstine said. “It’s good for us as artists to stop and create something ourselves.”

The show “gives the community the opportunity to see our work, what we do in our free time,” she said, stopping to laugh at the idea of teachers having much free time. Then she added, “If we ever get free time.”

McGinnis said, “It’s a great pleasure for us to get together to meet with other art teachers and show what we do.”

The show continues through December 30; the hours are Thursdays and Fridays from 3:30 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The gallery is located at 22 Jefferson Avenue in downtown Evansville.