High Country Times

A state house representative recently offered his support of students' artwork that traditionally would have been viewable on-site but instead can be seen virtually because of COVID-19 safety measures.

Rep. Jeffrey Elmore (R-North Wilkesboro) posted to Facebook that he was proud of the artistic creations virtually on display at the Wilkes County Schools Central Services building. 

"I am very proud of the artwork of my students at Mount Pleasant Elementary and Mulberry Elementary School, my colleagues and their students, and Morgan Mathis at Wilkes County Schools. The virtual exhibit is awesome," Elmore wrote.

Joey Bullis, who usually organizes the display sent the lawmaker a statement explaining what the display is about and why they went with the virtual display this year.

"During this time of year, Wilkes County Schools Central Services building hosts a Student Art Exhibit for our community," Bullis said in the statement. "We take student artwork that has been submitted, mat, and frame the piece and put it on display for the community to come in and enjoy."

Bullis expressed his sorrow for not allowing the walkthrough. Bullis says that this is another event that the coronavirus has hindered. 

"Unfortunately, we were unable to provide this opportunity to our community this year for the safety of our families and students. We were all very disappointed that this was yet one more thing that COVID-19 has taken away," Bullis wrote.