The Richmond Heights High School Art Show recently hosted several young artists as part of their graduation party.
The art exhibit is a competition through collaborative efforts with Richmond Heights High School and the city’s police department to show appreciation for juniors and seniors who have built their art portfolios over the years. year.
“We started this program a few years ago and had to shut it down because of COVID,” Police Chief Thomas Wetzel said. “We were happy to be active again with this important young police outreach program that recognizes talented performers who attend our local high school.”
Wetzel said more than 30 works of art were on display in the police department’s conference room. Officers then vote on which works of art they prefer to be housed within the police department.
“We then recognize the best selections and artists and display their works in our police station for a year,” the chef said. “The art is displayed in our roll call (hall), public lobby, archives area and chief’s office. This allows the police officers to observe beautiful works of art on a daily basis and to have a unique little connection with our young clients.
Wetzel said the art also helps provide a calming environment for his officers who often face stressful, high-stakes working conditions, as well as providing the same stress-relieving atmosphere for anyone else who visits. the enclosure.
“Often a police department can feel antiseptic and outdated, especially to the public,” he said. “Many times they go to a police station because of a negative situation. They may file a theft report, tie up a relative, pay a ticket, or get arrested. Looking at artwork while waiting in a police hall can produce personal calm or positive energy.
The winning artists are: Ameer Eatmon, first place; Jalani Ball, second; and Jaiden Collins, third. An honorable mention was awarded to Nicolas Lowe
Winning students receive a certificate from the police department recognizing their artwork, as well as a gift certificate and a $5 gift card to McDonalds.
Wetzel says this collaboration is a major way to boost the morale of young high school artists while bringing positive change to their department.
“This type of program is a wonderful way to build bridges of trust with our young clients and their families,” he said. “When we presented the awards last week, many family members of the artists came to see it. You could see the pride on their faces. It was clear that they appreciated their officers applauding the hard work of their children.