Ohio Connections Academy Hosts First Annual Art Exhibit

Earlier this year, Ohio Connections Academy administrators and art teachers made plans to host the online public charter school’s first annual art fair for its middle school and high school students. The purpose was to feature the talented works in digital photography, graphic design, painting and illustration by students from all over the state.

“Having an art fair is something that the students have been interested in for quite some time and I’m so happy that we were able to offer the opportunity to them this year,” said photography teacher Alex Campbell. “We have so many talented students and many of them have a strong desire to share their ideas and skills with others.”

The exhibit was originally scheduled for the end of March at the Columbus Museum of Art however due to the COVID-19 outbreak and recommendations for social distancing, the decision was made to cancel the event.

According to Mr. Campbell, the teachers and administration at Ohio Connections Academy remained committed to celebrate the student’s talent and creativity so they quickly pulled together a virtual art show.

More than 100 different works of art and digital photographs were collected from over 60 students across Ohio and shared electronically with OCA students, teachers and parents.

“I myself was pleasantly surprised with the sheer number of submissions I received from my Digital Photography students alone,” Mr. Campbell said.

Local Ohio Connections Academy student Vito Marino, a seventh grader from North Canton, participated in the exhibit and shared his acrylic painting on canvas.

Ohio Connections Academy Superintendent Marie Hanna said she not only was impressed with the talent and creativity of the students, but with the perseverance and determination of the OCA staff to create a forum in which the students could share their work.

“This year we have worked through a lot of challenges with the COVID-19 outbreak and our students have demonstrated so much patience and understanding for what has become our new reality,” Hanna said. “Our students so deserved the opportunity to showcase their talents and I’m so happy we were able to pull something together that celebrates their amazing work.”

Brooklyn Cieszenski, an eighth grader from Ashville, who submitted an acrylic painting on canvas said she appreciates attending a virtual school because it enables her to spend more time with her artwork.

“This is my first year doing online learning and it’s been great. I get more one on one time if I need it and I can work at my own pace without distractions,” she said. “It’s given me more time to do drawings and paintings which is very relaxing to me and is something I enjoy.”

Ohio Connections Academy is a free, fully-online virtual public school that students in grades K-12 attend from home. OCA delivers high-quality, personalized education for students that combines certified teachers, a proven curriculum, as well as technology tools, and community experiences—online and in person—to create a supportive environment for children who want an individualized approach to education. Enrollment for the 2019-20 academic year is currently open.

More information about Ohio Connections Academy is available at www.OhioConnectionsAcademy.com.