Art from the Arts for Education County-Wide Art Contest is now on display in the Murfreesboro City Hall Rotunda until the beginning of February.

All art was submitted by students in Rutherford County Schools for the second annual “Arts for Education” competition and event presented by Nissan North American and the Business Education Partnership at the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce.
 
There are 53 pieces displayed from K-12th grade students. The theme is “The World Around Us”, celebrating the international community within Rutherford County. Works include photography, painting, drawing, and mixed media pieces.
 
“We are excited about the excellent quality of the art these students submitted,” said Lee Rennick, BEP Executive Director.  “Rutherford County has a wealth of creativity in our students, and these works are evidence of their inspiration and skill.”
 
“We chose the theme of ‘The World Around Us’ so that students could explore a variety of ideas, cultures, and media in their art and recognize the rich diversity of culture within our own community.”
 
All submissions will be judged by grade level, K-2, 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, and 9th-12th. The winning first, second, and third place pieces in each group and Best of Show will be included in the auction for the BEP’s “Arts for Education: An International Evening” fundraiser on February 25, 2011 at the MTMC Bell Street Center in Murfreesboro.
 
“Arts for Education: An International Evening” will include international dance performances, the Kelli Cox Trio, and live and silent auctions featuring works by local artists, packages to regional arts events, entertainment packages, and destinations. Hors d’oeuvres will be catered by the students from the award-winning Smyrna High School culinary arts program.
 
Proceeds from “An International Evening” will go towards BEP programming for Murfreesboro City and Rutherford County educators and students, including the BC³ Academy for Math and Science Study Enhancement and Teacher Mini-Grants.
 
The Business Education Partnership Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization created by the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. Its mission is to form and sustain valuable relationships between Murfreesboro City and Rutherford County schools with businesses in Rutherford County.  The BEP has been instrumental in forming a united arts council, “Arts in Rutherford” (AIR) for Rutherford County through the Chamber of Commerce’s Three Star certification project— an initiative to equip communities with resources for improving economic development.
 
For tickets and sponsorship information for “Arts for Education: An International Evening”, visit www.rutherfordbep.org or call (615) 278-2008.