Suwannee Middle School (SMS) displayed student art work down the vocational wing of SMS the week of December 12 – 16 for the Winter Art Show.

Students worked on various paintings and other art to have them put on display and potentially for sale. SMS Art Teacher Melissa Cameron says the students get to keep the money they make off of the photos. Cameron says, “Students will keep the proceeds of their sales. I hold all the purchase requests and money and art work until the art show is over. Then, I give the money to the artists, and the artists takes their art work and thank you notes to the buyers. It's a really sweet moment.”

Cameron has been doing art exhibits similar to this one at SMS for over 13 years now. Cameron knows the importance of art and what it means to her and the children who participated. Cameron says, “We are uniquely fortunate to have an administration in our county that values the art education of its youth. A place to explore imaginations, creatively solve problems, and express thoughts is a dream-come-true for many of our students. I am truly honored and blessed beyond words to have this amazing job with these amazing students. They make everyday fun, and they inspire me daily.”

Cameron’s influence and motivation rubs off to the children where they are inspired to go into the art industry. In fact, Cameron notes several students coming back to her letting her know what they have done since leaving her classroom. Cameron says, “Many of my former students have pursued careers in engineering, graphic design, interior design, fine arts, and illustration. I even received a letter from one of them who is an Imagineer with Disney. She told me that she still refers to her middle school years and exposure to art, and how it influenced her dreams of creating new ideas at Disney. Inspiring students at a young age matters. I am so thankful that Suwannee County School District administration continues to be supportive of my students.”