Stephen F. Austin State University

High school art students from as far away as Dallas and Baytown and as close as Nacogdoches and Garrison got a taste of college life as they attended Stephen F. Austin State University's recent Art Day.

Each participant attended one three-hour studio workshop in either drawing, painting, printmaking, 2-D design, ceramics, sculpture, metals/jewelry, advertising design or cinematography. The sessions, taught by experienced SFA art faculty, exposed the high school students to college-level courses.

Teachers from 45 high schools brought their most sincere and talented art students to the event that also serves as a recruiting tool for the School of Art, explained Dr. John W. Goodall, interim director of the School of Art.

Gary Frields, SFA professor of art, gave an informational digital presentation about the university and the School of Art during the opening session. While the students were in workshops, the teachers toured the Student Recreation Center and The Art Center @ The Old Opera House.

During the afternoon session, students and teachers toured the different studios and visited with the art faculty.

Karen Wheatley, a teacher from Buffalo, attended the 2006 event and brought three more students this year because it "provides a wonderful opportunity for them."

"This year's Art Day was a great success," said Marsha Blount, SFA art instructor and the event's coordinator. "The faculty did a great job working with approximately 180 students."