East Panhandle Times

A new art exhibit at the Berkeley Art Council in Martinsburg is showcasing artwork by local students and seniors. The display features 25 pieces of art created by second-grade students from Berkeley Heights Elementary, each paired with a piece by a senior from Berkeley County Senior Services.

Katie Ott, an art teacher at Berkeley Heights Elementary, initiated the collaboration. "I reached out to the Berkeley Arts Council and said, I got a great class of second graders, they’re making amazing artwork, is there any way we can collaborate on something?" she explained.

The theme for the project was 'your favorite thing,' resulting in diverse artworks. Some pairs even depicted similar subjects, like one student and one senior both drawing a bird. Ott commented on the theme choice: "We were trying to think of what could bridge a gap between the young people and the seniors, and we just decided on something as simple as your favorite thing."

For many of Ott's students, this exhibit marks their first experience displaying art publicly. "It was just a way to bring them out into the world and show them that art can be a whole experience," Ott noted.

Seniors involved in the project also found it rewarding. Amy Orndoff, Executive Director of Berkeley Senior Services, remarked on its impact: "It's a lot of the same things with the kids and the seniors, being able to see their artwork." She added that they are working to engage seniors more actively with community activities.

This is the first time such collaboration has been hosted by Berkeley Art Works. Both Ott and Orndoff hope to continue nurturing this connection through future projects.

The exhibit will remain open at Berkeley Arts Council until April 12. The gallery operates from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. More information can be found at berkeleyartswv.org