The Beck Center for the Arts is showcasing creativity, talent, and community through its annual Student Visual Arts Exhibition, which is happening from April 17 through June 20, featuring art created by students of all ages, abilities, and skill levels. In its 94-year history, the Beck Center has provided opportunities in theater, music, dance, visual arts, and creative arts, helping bring creativity and community together through the arts.

​Located in the Hoffman-Stach Gallery inside the Beck Center main building, the exhibitions include paintings, drawings, sculptures, and weaving. The showcase highlights the artistic growth and hard work that each of the students developed through the Beck Center’s visual arts programs.

​The exhibition celebrates students and encourages them to share their creativity with the community, according to Melinda Placko, the Associate Director of Visual Arts. “Each year, we look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our students,” Placko said. “Framing art and submitting it for an exhibition offers a wonderful opportunity to appreciate what has been made, showcase personal creativity, and celebrate creative achievements in the studio.”

​Student artist Mary Sustar said one of her favorite parts about taking classes is working alongside other artists. “I enjoy the camaraderie of painting with other people and the instruction that our teacher gives us and the time to paint, ” Sustar said.

​Sustar believes exhibitions like this have a positive impact on the Lakewood community by bringing people together through art.

Sustar enjoys the ability to make art with some of her closest friends, Pamela Geick and Carol Hendrickson. Mary Sustar and Carol Hendrickson also attended Lakewood High School.

​Christy Mulhall currently takes a Monday night acrylic painting class and has two pieces featured in the exhibition, including a self-portrait and a still life painting. She said programs like the Student Visual Arts Exhibition help strengthen both Lakewood and the Northeast Ohio arts community.

​“You could come here and be entertained by a show. You could come here for a class. You could come here for exhibits,” Mulhall said. “I think it’s a really great thing for Lakewood and Northeast Ohio”.

​Julie Gilliland, vice president of institutional advancement, said the exhibition reflects the diversity and creativity of Beck Center students. “The age range astounds me,” Gilliland said. “The abilities are different, but every artist shares their vision in their piece.”

​Gilliland explained why public exhibitions are important for student artists, especially for those sharing their work for the first time. “In the world today, where there is a loneliness epidemic, it means so much to me that these artists have gathered in their classes for weeks, some for years, decades,” Gilliland said. “These artworks show the hours of class time and their own quiet moments of working on their pieces, which they then shared with the world.”

​She also emphasized how Beck Center supports artists of every age, ability, and experience level. “We offer something for everyone–every age, every skill level, every ability,” Gilliland said. “I see how our instructors modify to teach the best way for each student to have the best way for each student to have the best process and outcomes.”

​Placko added that the exhibition not only celebrates student success but also gives artists confidence and experience. “This show can be the first exhibition experience for many of our students,” Placko said. “It boosts confidence to see our art on display in a beautiful environment.”

​After seeing all of the student artwork displayed together, Placko said she felt inspired by the quality and creativity of the work. “When the last piece of art was hung, I felt amazed at the quality of art that our students have accomplished,” Placko said. “There is a very broad range of interests and artistic focus.”

​The exhibition is free and open to the public. Visitors can experience student artwork while supporting local artists and arts education programs throughout the Beck Center until the exhibit’s closure on June 20.