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OI Exhibit and Workshops Offer Art Resources to Ohio Valley Students

In a world that is increasingly obsessed with being measurable, it is perhaps more important than ever that we purposefully present resources and opportunities to our young artists.

Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Arts Center is known around the Ohio Valley arts scene for its community centered exhibitions, its summer camps, as well as providing art classes for all ages and skill levels. But, according to Brad Johnson, the director of exhibitions at the Stifel Fine Arts Center, it’s the resources that are provided to artists, particularly young artists, that might very well hold the greatest importance.

The Annual Regional Student Art Exhibit provides high school students the opportunity to display their work in a professional gallery, see what other students are doing in the world of art and collaborate and get feedback from art teachers, college professors and other students from throughout the region. Alone, that would be an amazing opportunity, but the real value is in the resources that are provided to the participants.Student Show_15_24

“It’s always great to see these kids display their work at this level for the first time. There is a real sense of achievement and a realization that, ‘Hey, I can do this,’ Johnson said. “But, at the same time, this exhibition is going to end. The skills they gain and the resources they have access to as they prepare for this exhibit will serve them well in the future.”

To impact the largest amount of budding artists possible, the exhibit is open to any student in grades 9-12 within a 50-mile radius of Wheeling. The 2015 student exhibit proudly showed a record 206 entries from 122 students.

Johnson said that all students have access to workshops, professional equipment and mentoring free of charge through the Stifel Center’s Art Prep Program, which is made possible by the Elizabeth Stifel Kline Foundation.

“Every participating student gets the opportunity to learn how to properly measure and cut mats and mount their work through our matting workshop. They also have access to our digital photography studio, backdrops and instruction in how to properly shoot and light 2-D and 3-D pieces to begin building a professional digital portfolio. Often, these kinds of things aren’t stressed enough in art programs because they aren’t actually art technique or art history. We do that as well, but what this type of instruction does is move a students from making art recreationally to presenting themselves professionally. We have found time and time again that these skills are invaluable when applying to schools or professional positions by giving them a leg-up on their peers in the same position.”

DSCN1217This attention to training and mentoring the youngest members of the Ohio Valley arts scene, as well as the exhibit itself, are key components of the Stifel Center’s mission to provide opportunities for aspiring artists to advance their talents.

Johnson said the Art Prep Program in not only available to schools participating in the Regional Student Art Show but also to any school that wants to make this opportunity available to its students.

“Essentially, we take the same expertise and attention we pay to those who are exhibiting in this show and make it available to an entire high school art program as part of their curriculum offering. The program is free, and we would love to see more schools take advantage of this program. We are proud to serve as a resource for schools, teachers and students.”

Georgia Tambasis, assistant professor of art at Wheeling Jesuit University, juried the 2015 student show and said providing opportunities and resources like the Stifel Fine Arts Center does is good for the future of Ohio Valley arts and culture.

Student Show_15_Best of Show 3
Raegan Ricer of Union Local and OI director of exhibitions Brad Johnson are pictured with Ricer’s Best of Show piece “Venerable Patina.”

“I was honored to be the judge of this year’s awards. In a time when the arts are underrepresented in schools, shows like this recognize student achievements in the arts in our community.”

The winners were selected from four categories – painting, photography, drawing, and 3-D.

Recognition of those artists wasn’t limited to ribbons and bragging rights. Winning artists also received cash prizes, and three universities were on hand to view the artwork and offer scholarships to the participants that they thought most deserved a chance to further pursue their passion.

At the end of the night, West Virginia University offered a four-year, full tuition scholarship to Katelyn Yalacki of Avella High School and a $1000 scholarship to Ellie Knox of Union Local High School. West Liberty University offered a $1,000 scholarship to Knox as well.

The winners were as follows:

Best of Show: Raegan Ricer of Union Local.

Painting: First place, Samantha Shipley of Wheeling Park High School; second place, Megan Lattocha of Union Local High School; third place, Madison Huffman of Wheeling Park.

Drawing: First place, Morgan Dubich of Avella High School; second place Ellie Knox of Union Local; third place, Allison Ognacak of Bridgeport High School.

Photography: First place, Holly Greene of Wheeling Park; second place, Logan Mackey of Cameron; third place, Mason Boni of Avella.

3-D: First place, Shelby Fluharty of Wheeling Park; second place, Chelsey Christmas of Wheeling Park; third place, Katelyn Yalacki of Avella High School.

Honorable mentions: Shelby Fluharty of Wheeling Park, Katelyn Yalacki of Avella, Leah Stem of Cameron and Victor Velanga of Bridgeport.

OI NAMES DANIELLE CROSS MCCRACKEN PRESIDENT

WHEELING, W.Va. (February 3, 2015)- Wheeling resident Danielle Cross McCracken has been named president of Oglebay Institute, the regional nonprofit arts, nature and culture organization that operates six facilities in Wheeling, West Virginia.

With more than 20 years’ experience working in the arts, education and social service sectors, McCracken has expertise in fundraising and development, marketing and non-profit management and has a strong record of securing private and public grants and implementing annual fund and capital campaigns. Her efforts have contributed to generating more than 10 million dollars for organizations with which she has worked.

McCracken comes to Oglebay Institute from Wheeling Country Day School where she served as director of advancement for five years. During her tenure, annual giving and enrollment increased significantly, and the school exceeded its 1.8 million dollar goal for its capital campaign.

McCracken assumes the role of president of Oglebay Institute February 9 and will oversee all aspects of the organization and its employees, including fiscal management, fundraising and program development.

“My vision for Oglebay Institute is to continue to deliver the highest quality programs in arts and education to residents of the Ohio Valley. I look forward to working collaboratively with our talented and dedicated staff and board of trustees, donors, members and community partners to determine how we can expand upon these programs to best meet the needs of the Upper Ohio Valley as well as the hundreds of thousands of people who make Wheeling a destination for travel every year. I want as many people as possible to celebrate our rich, local history and to learn through our educational programs. Oglebay Institute offers so many opportunities for people of all ages, from toddlers to senior citizens. OI helps young people to develop creativity and the problem solving skills that will help them succeed in school and in life; we provide opportunities for artists to hone their crafts and for the public at large to pursue a new skill. I am grateful to the community for their overwhelming support that has allowed Oglebay Institute to thrive for 85 years, and I am honored to serve Oglebay Institute and the community in my new role. I believe that through working together, the possibilities for our future are endless,” explained McCracken.

Prior to joining Wheeling Country Day School, McCracken worked as a development consultant for the Wheeling Symphony Society. Previously, she worked in the advancement office at West Liberty University, serving first as director of major and planned gifts and later as director of development and regional development officer. Early in her career, McCracken worked as director of community relations at Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center.

McCracken has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in public administration from West Virginia University. She is very active in the community and has served on the board of many non-profit organizations including Elmhurst, Seeing Hand Association, Children’s Museum of the Ohio Valley and the American Red Cross Ohio Valley Chapter. She is vice president of the Wheeling Rotary Club, is a member of the Women’s Giving Circle, Wheeling Symphony Auxiliary and a sustaining member of the Junior League of Wheeling. She has been a member of Oglebay Institute since 1994 and has served on its museums committee since 2011.

Chairman of Oglebay Institute’s Board of Trustees Milt Gutman said, “Danielle brings the ideal skill set to lead us to new and exciting heights. We are gaining a president with leadership, budgeting, fundraising and grant writing skills all with a focused, local understanding of the Institute’s role in serving the Ohio Valley and beyond.”

McCracken stated, “For as far back as I can remember, arts and education have played a key role in my life, both personally and professionally. Some of my best memories as a child include attending community theater, listening to and playing music, writing and exploring nature. I will be forever grateful to my teachers, parents and community who made those opportunities available. Those experiences helped me become the person I am today and have inspired my professional work in the arts and education. Since returning to the Ohio Valley after college graduation, I have been a member, patron, volunteer and program partner with Oglebay Institute. I am grateful to the staff and leadership who have delivered so many wonderful programs that have allowed me and my family to be entertained, educated and inspired. I am so excited to fill this role so that I can help perpetuate the important work that Oglebay Institute does in our community each day.”

Offering public programs, classes and camps, special events and school programs for all ages in art, dance, theater, environmental education and history, Oglebay Institute is the oldest arts council in the nation, incorporated June 24, 1930.

Led by a 21-member board of trustees, Oglebay Institute employs more than 40 full and part-time staff members and operates six facilities in the Wheeling area: the Schrader Environmental Education Center in Oglebay Park; the Mansion and Glass Museums, also in Oglebay; the Stifel Fine Arts Center and School of Dance, 1330 National Road; and Towngate Theatre and Cinema, located at 2118 Market Street as well as the Terra Alta Mountain Camp in Preston County, West Virginia.