The Haggin Museum continues the longest-running student art competition in the United States, when the annual McKee Student Art Contest & Exhibition returns in 2012 for its 81st year.  The exhibition was first envisioned by founding patron Robert T. McKee, whose goal was to encourage students by providing a public venue for their artworks.  Every year the invitation is sent to all public, private and charter schools as well as homeschool groups in San Joaquin County. And every year we receive on average 1,000 pieces of art chosen by teachers as the best of their class.

In the spirit of collaboration between arts institutions we are also pleased to announce a partnership with the Stockton Symphony which brings a thematic focus to this year’s exhibit.  The Symphony has commissioned Israeli Composer Avner Dorman to create a symphonic piece based on a children’s book called Uzu and Muzu from Kakaruzu . Set for its Stockton and world premiere in March, this fable of misunderstanding compounded through generations teaches an important lesson about conflict and resolution. Download the complete story (translated) as a PDF .

The Haggin is inviting teachers who participate in the McKee Student Art Exhibit to help their students create artwork based on the themes of conflict and resolution: communication, compromise, empathy, and respect. Special prizes will be awarded to upper and lower division students whose work exemplifies an artistic interpretation of this very current human reality.

CALLING ALL TEACHERS

It is thanks to the teachers in San Joaquin County’s schools that the museum has been able to display student art work for 80 years. They have played a key role in selecting works for this show. The museum is once again calling on teachers to contribute student art work from their classes for display in this year’s McKee show. 

The upcoming dates for teachers to bring art work to the door on the south side of the museum are:

• Thursday-Friday, January 19-20, 2:30-5:30 p.m.
• Saturday, January 21, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

The official Educators Packet—containing Submission Guidelines, an Inventory Sheet, Checklist and Labels—can be downloaded here: 2012 McKee Educators Packet  (PDF). You can also download the complete story Uzu and Muzu from Kakaruzu  (PDF).

Please contact Curator of Education Lisa Cooperman at (209) 940-6315 or education@hagginmuseum.org with any questions.

Regular museum admission applies.  $5 for adults, $2.50 for seniors and youth 10-17 and students, free for museum members and children under 10.

Opening Reception is February 4th from 1:30pm to 3:00pm.