Cumming Arts Center honors young artists

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County parents, teachers and residents enjoying a sunny Saturday afternoon gathered at the Cumming Arts Center for a reception to recognize student artwork March 4.

The exhibit hosted by the Sawnee Association of the Arts recognized 159 students in the South Forsyth Vertical Team, which includes Lakeside Middle School; Daves Creek Elementary School; Haw Creek Elementary School; and South Forsyth Middle and High Schools.

South Forsyth Middle School art teacher Taylor Shoemake said roughly 30 students from her school had their art displayed.

“I think it’s very encouraging for kids in elementary and middle to see what they can look forward to in high school,” Shoemake said. “And I think it’s for the high school kids to be able to look back and see maybe where they came from, but just the creativity that shines through, every single piece that is up there is completely different from the one next to it.”

Shoemake said she was excited for her students to have the chance to show their skills and hard work and to celebrate their achievements.

One of Shoemake’s students, sixth grader Samudita Baral, said she chose Donald Duck as the subject of her ceramic sculpture, “KAWS Donald Duck,” because the character has anger issues, which fits the sad themes of the artist KAWS’ sculptures. Baral said it felt good to have her art displayed publicly.