Student art exhibit at 6th Cavalry Museum opens series marking U.S. entry into World War I. THROUGH NOV.30
Students research war to create anniversary exhibit for 6th Cavalry Museum
A series of events marking the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into World War I begins today, April 13, at the 6th Cavalry Museum in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., with the opening of a student art exhibit.
Students at Ridgeland High School have partnered with the museum to create an exhibit that will remain on view through Nov. 30. A reception honoring the students will be held today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the museum.
“The Army Post at Fort Oglethorpe trained soldiers, medical personnel and officers for WWI and housed the largest POW camp in the country,” says Chris McKeever, executive director of the museum. “We have lots planned for 2017 with this exhibit as our first event.”
Ridgeland art instructor Erika Couey says each of the participating 75 students prepared for the project by researching World War I, its causes, battles, impact on soldiers and civilians, weaponry, uniforms and artwork.
“Students were responsible for researching WWI in their sketchbook journals as well as creating a planning page for their projects. I included history standards in the assignment sheet,” says Couey.
Students were allowed to use any medium to which they had access, says the instructor. These included graphite, watercolor, acrylics, water-soluble ink, pastel, crayon, permanent ink, clay or collage media.
“Students were instructed to root their projects in their research, but were allowed to react to the research according to their own opinions, belief systems and emotions. I think you will find the exhibition intriguing, emotional, humorous (at times), beautiful and inspiring,” McKeever says.
McKeever adds the museum will host “In the Footsteps of Sgt. York” exhibit Sept. 15 Nov. 30. The museum is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
For more information: 706-861-2860.