New Port Richey, FL -- As the Hudson High School Jazz Ensemble played, teachers, students and their loved ones roamed the hallways of the West Pasco Judicial Center admiring the artwork. "I love this one," commented one parent. "That one is beautiful," said another.
Every year, the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller's Office pairs up with the Pasco County School District to put on the Student-Inspired Artwalk. It's an opportunity for the students to have their creations displayed for all to see, and it's a way for the Clerk's Office to provide a welcoming environment for its customers. Pasco Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles describes the partnership as a win-win. "Imagine those walls out there with nothing but paint," said Alvarez-Sowles. "And coming into the courthouse, which is a very stressful place to be. You don't want to be here, but you have to be here."
Several years ago, a Clerk's Office teammate came up with the idea to display the art in the courthouses, as she was an artist herself. This year, there are 291 pieces of art displayed from 29 schools in Pasco County. The artists range in age from kindergarten to 12th grade.
Tom Viking is the district's program coordinator for the fine arts. "This is a huge deal for the kids, the art teachers, the community. It lets our students have a place to have their art exhibited," said Viking. "They can have it up on the walls in someplace that's an official setting. It's really nice as community partners to do this. It's just a win-win for everybody."