By Marilyn Liden Bode

Kingston Art Gallery

Here’s a personal question: How much do you value having a fine Art Gallery in your town?

Place yourself on a scale of one to 10. Standing on 10 means it is priceless to you. For four years the 20 to 25 artists of the Kingston Art Gallery cooperative put their hearts, minds, creativity, time and money on 10 every month, because we believe in the value of art in a community. Now, five new members and a new volunteer do too. Welcome to a printmaker, three painters, and a wood worker.

In February the Kingston Art Gallery again hosts the annual show of art from the Bainbridge High School special education department. With a gala reception on our Second Saturday Gallery Night, 5-8 p.m. Feb. 13, we honor their “Art with Heart.” Celebrate Valentine’s eve with heartfelt art, savories, sweets, sips and priceless, heartwarming Valentine gifts.

Gallery volunteer Joanne Schoener Scott coordinates the show of art from Bainbridge High’s Integrated Learning Center which runs Feb. 10 through March 7. Teachers Melanie Elliott and Mark Novak wrote this about their program and the show:

“Diverse special education students between the ages of 14 and 21 have program goals that focus on functional academics, vocational skill building, life skills, community access and recreation. Vocational Art Class was developed to inspire, nurture and highlight the talents and interests of our students in the hopes of creating art work that would bring personal satisfaction and a source of income to the artist and pleasure to those who view and/or purchase the creations.

“Diversity is great in the group of students. Students vary in their support need. Some require help with physical needs and personal care, others needing support in the various communication settings and others in the area of social skill building and relationships. All of our students have programs that are geared to the greatest quality of life and the most independence possible.

“The art work is all student made with support staff providing minimal assistance. Learning is going on in all stages of the creativity. Students choose colors, shapes, themes, and projects. … There are no “mistakes” only artistic footprints that celebrate the student’s personality, personal preferences, mood and ability level.

“As teachers, we look at each student’s creations and see the characteristics of our students and the beauty within. Their art reflects their heart.”

Open your heart to art by a February visit to the Kingston Art Gallery, Wednesday through Sunday. Our Web site is www.kingstonartgallery.com and you can visit us on Facebook.