Contact: Sharon Fisher
May 22, 2008

Art in many forms is synonymous with MECC

Art abounds on the Mountain Empire Community College Campus. The College is a major preserver of local art forms, widely known for its annual, fall Home Craft Days, and is gaining notoriety for the Mountain Music School held each summer.

To broaden cultural experiences, MECC is a major sponsor of Pro-Art, which brings to southwest Virginia both national and international musical and theatrical performances.

What might be less known to the public is the College’s Slemp Gallery, managed by Professor Alice Harrington, which features artists’ displays in many different media throughout the year and culminates with the MECC student art show. A unique 3-D display by students was prominent this year.

Whether an academic requirement or pursuing a personal interest, students and the public have the opportunity each semester to explore their artistic abilities in art classes taught by Harrington and adjunct instructors Misty Stratton and Jim Veenstra.

This summer, from June 5 - July 2, Stratton will teach Drawing I for beginners wanting hands-on instruction in graphite, charcoal, color and collage. Two new offerings, Watercolor I and Landscape Painting, will be taught by Veenstra during June 5 - July 2 and July 7 – August 1, respectively. For students who prefer to learn more about art from their homes, Harrington will teach Art Appreciation through distance learning.

Go to www.mecc.edu/library/slemp.htm to view examples of MECC student art. For more information on art classes available this summer, call 276-523-7460 or email aharrington@me.vccs.edu.

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