St. Johns – Japanese Art Exchange Reception By: Jenny McCampbell [Click here to print article] See Japan through the eyes of elementary and middles school students by enjoying their artwork hung alongside artwork created by St. Johns elementary students. The works will be displayed throughout the month of February at Briggs Public Library, 108 E. Railroad St., St. Johns. This will be the 13th annual exhibit of an art exchange between students in St. Johns and their Friendship City, Konan, in Shiga, Japan. The artwork is done by elementary and middle school students in Konan, as well as students in East Essex, East Olive, Eureka, Gateway, Oakview and Riley Elementary Schools in St. Johns, under the guidance of their art teachers, Barb Brearley and Anne DenHerder. This endeavor is the result of a long-time collaboration between the St. Johns – Konan Friendship Society, St. Johns Public Schools, Briggs Public Library, the Clinton County Arts Council, and the city of Konan in Shiga. The artwork will be on display February 2 – 28, with an opening reception for the public being held on Thursday, February 5, 7:00 – 8:00 pm. The program for the reception will feature fourth-grade students from East Olive Elementary school singing songs in Japanese and playing recorders, under the direction of Ms. Shirley Anne Ries, vocal music teacher for St. Johns Public Schools. Following the program, refreshments will be served.