April 27th marked the ninth annual Arts Alive festival at Westerville Central High School, with 156 four-foot-square student-created chalk murals surrounding the building. More than 250 high school artists participated in chalk drawing, many in teams of three or four. Then two classes of Alcott Elementary students paired with high schoolers to create 12 more. Other events included a multicultural fair with art and food; a student art gallery consisting of 450 original works of art; CBX (Central Book Exchange – bring a book or canned food item and get a book); and spoken word and Drill Team performances.
Performances from the school’s orchestra, jazz band, and choir also took place. In addition, the Clay Space featured a sculpture activity showcasing guest artist and ceramicist Eric Rausch. Everyone was welcome to get involved in the “Interactive Art” area too, by getting a temporary tattoo; having their face drawn and abstracted into modern art; partaking in a mural that was “paint by number;” enjoying snacks and coffee at the coffeehouse; and dancing to “Dirty Little Things,” a student rock band that played most of the day. Pupils who helped organize and run the event wore student-designed tee shirts. Overall, the artist in every student was celebrated.