The Not So Bad Art By Good People fundraiser provided a former art teacher with the chance to finish a piece she started with her students years ago, completing a peaceful winter scene for the Logan County Art League’s 2023 contest.
Indian Lake Middle School Principal Erin Miller said she previously taught art to middle school and high school students in the Indian Lake School District before moving into her current role about four years ago.
“I spent about six years teaching art and had a blast doing it,” the Bellefontaine native said.
“I felt honored to be asked to create a piece and to represent our school in the community in a different way.
“Supporting the arts is something that is near and dear to my heart, as I have been able to witness what art can do in the lives of so many students. It can be an outlet for expression, a lesson in perseverance, and a journey of patience and learning from our mistakes.”
For her winter landscape featuring a full moon and evergreen trees reflected on a calm body of water, she said she painted with acrylics on an illustration board, first as a demonstration piece for her Art Club students.
“This was a piece I started a long time ago as an example for my Art Club that then I finished for this show. It is a little ‘Bob Ross’-ish and is something that kids were interested in attempting at the time.
“This piece was not inspired by a specific location or spot, but was more about the winter season and capturing the serene winter nights and the peace that overcomes the evening.”
Recently on winter nights at her home, painting her contest entry was a fun activity that brought together Miller, her husband and children, Tate and Tripp, who live on a Logan County farm near Mad River Mountain, with “a cat named Snowball and a dog, Ivy, among a whole flock of chickens,” she said.
“My kiddos and my husband got to see the work in progress. We paint a lot at home with our two sons, who are 7 and 2 years old. They love the mess of paint and creating something that they can be proud of making.”
The ILMS principal’s painting and the works of eight other local celebrity artists are currently on display for the Logan County Art League’s fundraiser at Citizens Federal Savings and Loan, 100 N. Main St., which wraps up Friday, Jan. 27.
The public is invited to stop by during bank lobby hours this week and pick their favorite pieces for $1 per vote.
The winner of the community vote will be announced at an auction finale event Jan. 27 at the Bellefontaine VFW, 216 Orchard Ave. The public is invited to attend the auction that begins at 7 p.m. and participate free of charge, with all proceeds supporting the Art League.