It was a chance for Eisenhower high school students and their teacher, Jessica McElhaney, to talk to professors and students about their works and their courses.

The recent Zoom event featured several choices of demonstrations and discussions, a panel discussion with Edinboro alumni, and a question and answer session with current art students.

“The professors shared their work and some of the students’ pieces as well,” junior Audrey Kellogg said. “I learned about the different types of illustration, and was fascinated with the different categories, such as Licensing and Products.”

Fawne Hackman chose to attend “Action” with Animation Professor Michelle Vitali, “Unusual Spoons” with Jewelry and Metals Professor Sue Amendolara, and “Sketchbook Strategies” with Drawing and Painting Professor Geoff Beadle.

Photo submitted to Times Observer From sketchbook to Fighting Scot during the Edinboro Virtual Art Day.

“I enjoyed learning more about making jewelry,” Hackman said. “Even though it was about spoons, I could still learn a lot. I also enjoyed illustration because I didn’t know a lot about what they were presenting.”

Other demonstrations and discussions included “Being an Illustrator,” “the Motion of Water,” and “Socially Engaged Art Can Change the World.”

“I was excited to be able to share this opportunity with my students at Eisenhower,” McElhaney said. “They were able to experience college level artwork, listen and watch visual presentation given by Edinboro art professors, and ask questions about life after high school in regards to visual arts careers and college life as an art student.”

During the Q&A, the Edinboro students shared some of their experiences on their paths to college art.

“Some of the students didn’t always choose what they went for but they still went and they still loved it,” Hackman said. “This is going to inspire me for art, to do art, and for life.”

“The Edinboro Art Day was a great experience,” Kellogg said. “As a high school student seeing college level art and hearing about the courses, I was inspired to better my art skills.”