Student art exhibits celebrates worldwide human rights

SANDPOINT - To commemorate Human Rights Day, more than 100 local students will come together Dec. 10 to exhibit artwork inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The event, titled "The Art of Human Rights," is being facilitated by the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force and Pend Oreille Arts Council.

In its second year, the show is meant to give students in grades seven through 12 an opportunity to understand and conceptualize  an individual aspect of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, said the task force's Christine Holbert.

"Each child has to come up with a piece of artwork - especially if the work is abstract - that identifies which human right they chose to illustrate," Holbert said.

"They also have to write a couple of paragraphs about it. Why did that human right affect them and how does it inspire them?"

While sharing the common theme of human rights, students were allowed to work in the artistic medium of their choosing.

Holbert said she expects to see paintings, sculptures, poetry and an assortment of other artistic expression.

The bottom line, according to Holbert, is for local children to appreciate the importance of worldwide human rights and put what they learn into practice.

"It's important for kids to know how to treat other people around the word. This is universal," Holbert said.

The exhibit will take place Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the Pend Oreille Arts Council Gallery located in the Power House Building in Sandpoint. Admission is free, and the community is encouraged to attend the celebration.

Refreshments will be served, and musical interludes will be presented by the Sandpoint Middle School choir.

For more information, contact Holbert at 255- 4410