Talbot Mentors students displayed their artwork to admiring guests at the organization’s annual Partners In Art reception on Saturday, April 5. Hosted by the law firm of Hollis, Cronan & Fronk, the reception honored the local artists who donate their time each year to introduce students to artistic talents many never knew they had.
During a brief presentation, glass artist Paul Winters spoke of his enthusiasm for the program. “I give the kids an experience where they see something they never thought they could do,” he explained. “I give them the tools and instruction, but they do it the way they want to. A lot of them never knew what they were capable of doing.”
Winters worked with mentee Josh Payne during the past year. Payne created a number of stained and kiln-fired glass pieces that were on exhibit during the reception. His mentor, Mike Gates, was on hand to offer his own praise, but Winters noted that he expects more than just standing by and watching from the mentors. “There are a lot of mentors’ wives with pieces of jewelry,” he laughed.
Other artists participating with Winters this year were Deborah Colborn, John and Maryetta Dynan, Terri Griffin, Eileen Herbert, Margot Miller, Ted Mueller, Peg Papa, Tom Ryan, Jacquie Pfaff-Pratt, Shirley Sallet, Sue Stockman, Jen Wagner, and Heidi Wetzel.
In addition to thanking the host law firm and participating artists, Talbot Mentors Board President Jim Reed expressed his appreciation to others who contributed to the reception and the Partners In Art program’s success. Dock Street Foundation provided display panels for the artwork and Oxford Community Center loaned tables and chairs. Talbot County Arts Council, with funds from the Talbot County Council, provided funding for the program.
A highlight of the event was former mentee, Tyrell Jackson, returning to help the organization that had matched him as a child with his mentor, Al Smith. A graduate of St. Michaels High School, Jackson furthered his education at the Culinary Institute of Virginia in Norfolk. At the reception, he worked with Tyler Heim of Justine’s Ice Cream Parlour to create an array of hors d’oeuvres for the guests.
The students’ artwork will be on display at the law office through the First Friday Gallery Walk on May 2.
Talbot Mentors welcomes additional artists who may wish to participate in the next season’s program, along with new volunteer mentors to match with students on its waiting list.
For more information, to make a contribution, or to volunteer as a mentor, call Talbot Mentors at 410-770-5999 or visit talbotmentors.org.
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