KHS holds annual art show, 21st TSC command team attends

Kaiserslautern High School’s annual art show opened here Feb. 16 at the newly renovated library on Vogelweh. Opening night turned into a true
community event.

While the displayed works of art advocated KHS and its art department, the brightly lit space highlighted the upgraded and greatly enlarged library.

“This is an excellent opportunity for the community to see our students’ work outside of the school and a great place to have the show,” said Tom Burriss, an art teacher and coach at KHS.

 Travis Schaben, the library director, called it a win-win situation. Many library patrons who noticed the exhibited art took the time to view it. Conversely, the art patrons became aware of the improved library facility.

The more than 200 pieces of art, which will be exhibited through Wednesday, are the work of students in ninth through 12th-grade. The group of 14- to 18-year-old students used pencil, pen and ink, mixed-media, acrylic paint, tempera paint, oil, pastel, chalk, digital design, ceramics, cut paper, and photography to convey their art, Mr. Burriss explained.

“Initially, we allow our students to express themselves in any way they feel comfortable. Once we reach certain levels (of accomplishment), we cover things more in depths,” said Mark O’Connor, another art teacher at KHS.

In addition to students, teachers, parents and library visitors, Maj. Gen. Patricia E. McQuistion, the commanding general of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, and Command Sgt. Maj. James E. Spencer, the 21st TSC’s command sergeant major, attended the KHS art show to show their support.

Last October, the 21st TSC and KHS entered into a partnership, under which the 21st TSC adopted the school as part of the nationally recognized Adopt-A-School program.

“The partnership has been very beneficial for our school and our students. The staff at the 21st TSC is very very forthcoming whenever we ask for assistance,” said KHS principal Jennifer J. Beckwith.