15 November "Spotlight" on Beverly Whiteside, Youth Arts at the Ohio Governor's Residence November 15, 2015 artists, Arts Ed, Public arts educators, arts ohio, Beverly Whiteside, First Lady Karen Kasich, Governor's Residence, Karen W. Kasich, ohio arts council, Spotlight 0 A dance education specialist and retired Columbus City Schools teacher, Beverly Whiteside became a visual artist after creating props for dance performances. A self-taught artist, Beverly's work is ingrained in the African-American experience, often portraying scenes and stories of every day life. "My work is about a voice. It's a simplistic, voice but it gives you a closer insight of who I really am. That's the best part of me." --Beverly Whiteside Whiteside's work was recently selected to be highlighted at the Ohio Governor's Residence and Heritage Garden by Ohio First Lady Karen W. Kasich. The "Spotlight" program was created in 2013 by Mrs. Kasich in partnership with the Ohio Arts Council to help promote a wide array of Ohio artists. The display at the Governor's Residence changes quarterly, Whiteside is the 2015 Fall "Spotlight" and her pieces will be on view until the end of December. Celebrated fall Spotlight. Excited to have Bev Whitesides’s joyful folk art @ the Residence. https://t.co/5kWtoRLXYi pic.twitter.com/6HtkStZ5oT — Karen Kasich (@KarenKasich) October 22, 2015 Mrs. Kasich also honored three students in the Spotlight on Youth Arts at the Ohio State Fair. Their artwork will be on display at the Governor's Residence through August 2016. Winners: Elementary Division: Heidi Gui Middle School Division: Henry Hess High School Division: Jacqueline Tu Henry Hess, winner of the middle school division, poses with his parents & @OhioFirstLady Karen W. Kasich #artsohio pic.twitter.com/SHJ4yQMnOr — Ohio Arts Council (@OhioArtsCouncil) October 22, 2015 View the Fall Spotlight reception here. ABOUT SPOTLIGHT: FEATURED ARTISTS AT THE OHIO GOVERNOR’S RESIDENCE Spotlight: Featured Artists at the Ohio Governor’s Residence is a program created by Ohio’s First Lady Karen W. Kasich that celebrates Ohio artists by showcasing a sampling of their artworks in the Residence foyer. The program enhances the ongoing partnership between the Ohio Governor’s Residence and Heritage Garden and the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). Since 1985 the OAC has assisted in placing artwork by Ohio artists and from Ohio cultural institutions in the Governor’s Residence and throughout the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts. The Spotlight program offers quarterly exhibitions at the Governor’s Residence highlighted by opening receptions. Spotlight Artists are selected by First Lady Kasich with assistance from the OAC. All Ohio artists are eligible to submit their work for consideration. To be eligible for the program the artist cannot be a student enrolled in a degree-granting program and must be a resident of the State of Ohio. ABOUT THE OHIO GOVERNOR’S RESIDENCE AND HERITAGE GARDEN The Jacobean Revival style home was originally built for the family of industrialist Malcom Jeffrey in 1925, and has served as the official Ohio Governor’s Residence for nearly 60 years. Examples of Ohio art, industry, and craftsmanship are showcased throughout the house while outside, the surrounding Heritage Garden reflects the state’s diverse native botanicals and landscapes. Free tours of the Ohio Governor’s Residence and Heritage Garden can be scheduled by calling 614-644-7644 or online at residence@governor.ohio.gov. ABOUT THE OHIO ARTS COUNCIL The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically. Connect with the OAC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or visit our website at oac.ohio.gov. ### Featured photo courtesy of the Office of Ohio First Lady Karen W. Kasich Comments are closed.