Local art educators Janet Hockman, left, and Caitlin Weyandt-Lees started their journey together as art students at Clarion High School.
CLARION, Pa. — Two local artist educators, Caitlin Weyandt-Lees and Janet Hockman, are leading the 65th Autumn Leaf Festival Art Show.
Under their new stewardship, this year’s show will feature a remarkable range of artwork from professional, non-professional, and student artists throughout Clarion County.
Both artist educators are excited to bring their extensive experience and passion for art education to the forefront of this cherished community event. Their vision is to create an inclusive and dynamic art show that celebrates the diverse talents and creative expressions of the Clarion County region.
“It’s a great opportunity to not only take over such a long-standing tradition, but to also have a space to showcase local students, professional, and non-professional artists,” Weyandt-Lees told exploreClarion.com. “It’s a really unique and wonderful opportunity to take over these reins and bring it back to what it once was.”
Weyandt-Lees and Hockman started their journey together as art students at Clarion High School. As Weyandt-Lees continued her studies at Carlow University, Hockman attended the Tyler School of Art; however, the two always stayed in touch.
They reunited to complete their Master’s degrees at Edinboro University, and now, Weyandt-Lees serves as the Art Teacher at Clarion Area High School, while Hockman has been the Art Teacher at Keystone High School for over five years.
As a student at Clarion High School, Hockman can remember entering her work for the Autumn Leaf Festival art shows.
“Twenty-some years later, to be in the role of organizing, it’s just very exciting,” Hockman said. “For Caitlin and I, both being art educators in this area, there is a big push for student artwork and to really get their name in while shining a light on the younger artists in the community. That’s really the biggest thing we’re focusing on, but, of course, we want the regular adult artists to regularly participate in it as well.”
Hockman highlighted that the biggest change this year is the change from two categories to three.
“In the past, students would be competing against adults in town. This (new format) levels out the playing ground for the kids to compete against one another instead of having to compete against adults,” she explained.
The Autumn Leaf Festival Art Show will open on September 28, 2024, at the Main Street Center, coinciding with the annual Autumn Leaf Festival. The exhibition will be open to visitors throughout the festival and will remain on display until October 6, 2024. The opening reception will be held on September 28 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and the public is warmly invited to attend and support the local artists.
“When you’re putting a piece of your artwork out for display, you’re really opening yourself up to other people to get a glimpse of who you are,” Weyandt-Lees remarked. “I’m just really excited to offer that opportunity and to just continue this tradition for the people in this area.”
Student, Non-Professional, and Professional artists have two options to deliver artwork and entry forms. Submissions will be accepted to the Clarion Area Chamber from Monday, September 16, to Friday, September 20, 2024. Submissions will also be accepted at the Main Street Center, on Saturday, September 21, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Entry forms are available by email ([email protected]) or at the Clarion Area Chamber office, Michelle’s Cafe, or Daddy’s Main Street.
“Growing up in this area, (the) Autumn Leaf Festival was the kickoff to the season. Everyone would come in, all the food vendors, craft day, the parade, and it was really an interesting opportunity for small-town people to have a little diversity and something exciting happening in the town,” Weyandt-Lees added.
“Even now, it’s wonderful to have craft days, which is art-based, and it’s nice to come and see what all these people around different areas are making, and what their creative outlet may be. For that to still be going on in a small community is great.”
For more information about the Art Show, including eligibility guidelines, submission details, participating artists, or volunteering, contact [email protected].
