News
July 19, 2017

High school students thrive in U of R Summer Arts Program

Last week, 10 students from across the Inland Empire had the opportunity to experience a week’s worth of collegiate-level art and writing training at the University of Redlands.

U of R Professors Pat Geary, creative writing, and Penny McElroy, studio art, instructed the students in poetry and collage.

“I was so impressed with the students in the workshop,” said McElroy. “They rose to every challenge that we gave them and produced some beautiful, evocative work. It was a great pleasure to work with these talented young artists.” 

Recommended to the Summer Arts Program by their art teachers, the students were able to participate free of charge, thanks to continued support from donors Linda ’62 and Rick Roesch. This summer’s program was the fifth time the program has been offered.

After working on their art and writing every day and receiving feedback, on the final day of the program the students displayed their pieces in the Strand Gallery in Ann Peppers Hall, for their parents, along with faculty and friends of the University, to enjoy.

The students’ pieces, with the overarching theme of dreams both in their collages and written work, were compiled into a booklet titled Dream of Mine. Copies of the booklet were proudly carried out by students and parents as they left the show.

“It was a pure pleasure to work with so many talented and inspired students,” said Geary. “It helps me feel optimistic about the future of the arts.”