This piece by Seventh Grader Lauren Anderson is just one of the many unique works that will be on display at ArtsLink’s First Sunday Exhibit slated for June 2 from 2-4 p.m. at the Francis Creative Arts Center. June’s exhibit celebrates the works of New Martinsville School’s Art After School class.

The works of New Martinsville School’s Art After School class will be on display at ArtsLink’s upcoming First Sunday exhibit set for June 2 from 2-4 p.m. The free event will be held at the Francis Creative Arts Center at the corner of Maple Avenue and Washington Street in downtown New Martinsville. Light refreshments will be served.

NMS Art After School class began in spring 2010 as a dream of NMS art teachers Debbie Tustin and Alison Zwick, who wanted to share more one-on-one time with talented students who could benefit from more specialized techniques and knowledge. In 2011, fellow art teacher Sonya Holliday joined the team.

Students in grades five through eight are invited to apply to be a part of the after school class. Then they go through a process very similar to applying for employment. They must complete an assigned project that includes an art project and writing assignment, get a letter of reference, and go through an interview. This year the program has eight students, seven are in grades five through eight and one who has been with the class for a few years and is a high school sophomore.

“This year our eight students have three projects: a screen print, a graphite portrait, and an oil painting in the style of artist Chuck Close,” notes Tustin. “For these projects they drew from photographs that they took themselves.” Over 20 pieces will be displayed at the exhibit. Tustin adds that some of these projects recently won awards at the Student Art Show of Excellence at the ArtWorks Around Town gallery in Wheeling.

This event is part of ArtsLink’s ongoing First Sunday exhibit series. For further information on this or other ArtsLink activities, please call the ArtsLink office at 304-455-2278, e-mail at artslink@artslinkwv.org, or visit the website at www.artslinkwv.org. ArtsLink is committed to providing universal accessibility wherever possible. Persons with special needs may contact 304-455-2278 to request assistance. Financial support for ArtsLink’s activities thanks to West Virginia Northern Community College, WETZ/WYMJ/WNRJ Radio, Chesapeake Energy, Dominion, Enterprise Holdings Foundation, the Wells Inn, and Ohio Valley Online.