Students from Oberlin High School’s Advanced Art Class were invited to create billboard designs for Oberlin Cable Co-Op.
And on Monday, April 15 2024, Cable Co-Op General Manager Mr. Jay Shrewsbury announced to the class the winner of the Billboard Design: OHS Senior Akhira Algarin. The winner allowed for one student to win a cash prize, but it also will provide them “real world experience” seeing their work up on a billboard. The billboard that will feature the winning designs is on State Route 58 by Douds Veterinary Hospital – a location where nearly 3,600 vehicles pass daily, heading into Oberlin.
Akhira’s theme was digital media and it showcased all that Oberlin Cable Co-Op has to offer residents, including internet, streaming and cable.
“I am so excited to tell my mom,” Akhira said upon hearing her name announced.
All students who participated in the contest received Obie Dollars to be used in downtown businesses, Mr. Shrewsbury said.
“Though we feel all the students are winners, Cable Co-Op is the real winner by being fortunate enough to be able to create such great collaborations within our community with our wonderful community members,” Mr. Shrewsbury said.
In March, Mr. Shrewsbury reached out to the District, as well as Lorain County Joint Vocational School, in an effort to find local talent.
“The OHS Advanced Art Class showed interest, so I scheduled a day for a visit to share with them my vision for the billboard,” Mr. Shrewsbury said. “The billboard project is a great way to
help promote the student, promote the school District and show how Oberlin entities can collaborate and promote Oberlin Cable Co-Op. A big thank you goes out to Ms. Tulcewicz and the Advanced Art students at Oberlin High School!”
OHS Advanced Art Teacher Ms. Mallory Tulcewicz was excited to see the student-inspired creations.
“They used any medium they wish – including digital – but most used drawings or watercolors,” Ms. Tulcewicz said. “I was really intrigued and excited about the opportunity for students to have their artwork printed on a billboard in town. I knew this would be something my Advanced Art students would be interested in and they immediately said yes when I relayed the information to them.”
Ms. Tulcewicz and her art students find joy in collaborating with the Oberlin community.
The billboard project was the fourth collaborative project her students have done within the community. Previously they collaborated with Oberlin-based artist Ms. Sheree Ferrato, owner of Verite Glass and created an Oberlin High School mosaic through Oberlin Schools Endowment Grant funding. Additionally, their participation in the annual Oberlin Chalk Walk and the Black History Month art show at FAVA has been well received by students and the community.
“It can be challenging at times to fit outside projects into the schedule but the students and I love collaborating with the community. We have a lot of talented students at OHS and it is a nice way to showcase their talent and work,” Ms. Tulcewicz said.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY OBERLIN CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
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