Sister Cities Student Art Exchange Opens Final Phase of Exhibition

Art is a truly universal language, and students in Westlake and its sister city of Tralee, Ireland are speaking it.

The third and final phase of the kicked off Monday night at , bringing 127 works from students in Tralee and Westlake together in one exhibition.

In the first phase of the exchange, works from students in Westlake went on display here at home. Then they travelled to County Kerry where they were put on display at the Siamsa Tire Theater, along with works from Tralee students. All of the works are at City Hall now where visitors can compare and contrast the pieces.

Mayor Dennis Clough and City Council President Michael Killeen presented each Westlake artist with a certificate as thanks for participating at the opening reception.

"I know we can't all appreciate art, but we can appreciate the artists who are willing to share their talent," Clough said.

"My mother was an accomplished artist, but that wasn't passed on," joked Killeen. "I have great appreciation for those who have the talent."

Clough also thanked everyone who worked to make the exhibit a success from the public and private school teachers who worked with their students to Marge Widmar, president of the Westlake-Westshore Arts Council who was instrumental in organizing the exchange.

"The reason I'm pleased to serve the city of Westlake is the people that give back to the community and art is one of the ways," he said.

Widmar, who traveled to Tralee to see the exhibit's second phase said that the response in Ireland was great.

"This experience goes beyond sharing," she said. "You students have really been great ambassadors. But it's also a learning experience."

Through the exchange, students have had a chance to learn more about geography, culture, the Celtic language and more.

The exhibit will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Sept. 30 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 1.