The Stone House Art Gallery in Fredonia is displaying artwork created by Allen Community College art students.
The gallery, an old stone building just off the square in Fredonia, has 10 pieces of art from six students.
Tera Reed, art instructor with the college, is showcasing her work along with her students. She said the Stone House Gallery has an impressive layout, and the students were excited about having their work there.
“They have a really nice space for such a small town,” Reed said. “My students were excited about submitting their work and I encourage that.”
Vicki Starr, gallery administrator, said artists from Iola have not been represented there previously.
She said the display is part of an “Area Artists” program that will be available for public viewing through Oct. 26. Cash prizes will be awarded for the best 2-D artwork, 3-D artwork and “best in show.” Starr said there is also an award for “viewer’s choice,” in which the public will cast votes to decide the winner.
Reed stressed the importance of art students becoming familiar with displaying their work. She said if local communities are not aware of an artist’s work, they will not be able to further their career.
“They really need to be able to brand and sell their art,” Reed said, “It’s important to raise their career to the next level.”
The gallery, started in 1967, has relied on the support of the community to stay open. Starr said the government has cut one-third of its funding since 2011 and many local galleries have felt the effects.
“There are many galleries that aren’t there because of the cuts,” Starr said. “I guess some people don’t see art as being very important.”
However, Starr said the overwhelming support of Fredonia has made the Stone House Gallery successful, it is funded solely by donations and grants. She said it is important for artists and students to have their work and name recognized, and the gallery helps make that possible.
According to Reed, artists are normally charged from $15 to $50 to display their work in a gallery similar to Stone House. She said she and her students appreciated the gallery waiving fees for their space.
