Artists shine at Butler’s 22nd annual FAB Showcase
BUTLER TWP — Since discovering a passion for the arts in elementary school, Butler Senior High School freshman Eliana Gorog has had plenty of work displayed at the annual Fine Arts & Beyond Showcase.
She effortlessly spun a pottery wheel as a live demonstration for the thousands who walked the halls of the Intermediate High School on Saturday evening, April 5, and described the art show’s significance.
“It’s a way for people to show off their talent and get acknowledgment that they deserve because of their achievements,” said Gorog, who entered two drawings and won an award for a sculpture of a dragon head in the 22nd annual holding of the event.
More than 1,000 pieces of art from hundreds of students in grades K-12 were on display at Saturday’s event, which, according to officials, raises more than $40,000 each year for the Golden Tornado Scholastic Foundation.
All of the proceeds are then distributed to educational initiatives, including the Kids’ Weekend Backpack Program, which works to fight food insecurity for children in the district.
The foundation also provides creative teaching grants and supports graduating seniors with scholarships.
Fine Arts & Beyond has seen a tremendous uptick in popularity since its inception, according to Butler K-12 Art Department chairman Erich Campbell, who has helped oversee all 22 shows.
More than a decade ago, musical performances were added to the event. This year’s showcase featured the Butler Elementary orchestra and band, the Senior High School’s Varsity Voices and the Butler Percussion Ensemble.
“I think (the growth) has a lot to do with the teachers, the administration and also the community,” Campbell said.
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it.”
Participating students are entered into six different categories: Ceramics, Sculpture, Painting, Drawing, Photography/Graphic Arts and Print Making. There’s also a separate award for “Best in Show.”
Freshman Maggie Mooney captured second place in the painting category with her own twist to a portrait depicting rap artist Tyler the Creator, which stood out with a host of other creations that lined the several hallways.
“I really liked his music and I liked the album cover, so I decided to change it up a little bit and make it more (about) me,” she said.
