McKee Student Art Exhibit opens at Haggin

BY DYLAN JAEKEL Feature Editor

The 92nd annual Robert T. McKee student art exhibit is on display at the Haggin Museum from Feb. 2 through March 19. The show invites all San Joaquin County students between kindergarten and 12th grade to submit their work.

“This year, Haggin received over 900 pieces of art chosen by the teachers as the best in their class,” said The Haggin Museum’s CEO, Susan Obert.

The Haggin has two spaces filled with artwork; kindergarten through fourth grade is displayed on the main floor, and fifth through 12th grade is displayed on the second floor.

“The Tuleburg gallery will be filled with two- and three-dimensional artworks created in crayon, colored pencil, pastel, watercolor, oil and acrylic paint, photography, and other mediums,” said Obert.

“This exhibition was first envisioned by founding patron Robert T. McKee, whose goal was to encourage students by providing a public venue for their artwork,” added Obert. “Since the first show in 1931, the Haggin has been honored to collaborate with the schools of San Joaquin County, resulting in ninety-two years of celebrating the efforts of its teachers and expression of its young artists.”

Robert T. Mckee was the son of a pioneer family who grew up in Stockton. He became an artist and set designer, who traveled the world for education and work. After inheriting money from his father-in-law, he encouraged his wife to donate funding to the San Joaquin Pioneer and Historical Society so that they may better pursue their efforts in establishing a local history museum. The year the museum opened, Mckee used funds to establish the art competi- tion and exhibit that remains today.

This year the art competition is being judged by Delta’s own Jan Marlese, Gallery Director for the LH Horton Jr Gallery.

“Jan’s passion for the arts is inspired by the creative process, and she is dedicated to bringing artists and the com-