Artwork created by students in the Lincoln Program, an alternative school within the Clinton Community School District, will be on display in Ashford University’s Cortona Art Gallery through Saturday, March 12. An artists’ reception will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1 for the students whose art is featured in the “Words Around Us, Letters by Lincoln” exhibit.

The Ashford University Future Leaders Program (FLP) has been working with the Clinton Community School District and, more specifically, Lincoln High School since January. Mandy Aldridge, Ashford University registrar advisor who is an FLP participant, said that one of the Lincoln Program’s goals “is to help students stay in school and realize the goal of obtaining a high school diploma by utilizing a family based model of alternative education.”

“When my group toured Lincoln school, we felt we had a tremendous opportunity to assist in updating facilities, building relationships between Ashford and the community, and to simply make a difference in these young adults’ lives. Working with the wonderful staff there has allowed us to identify these potential needs and build projects around addressing those needs.”

Aldridge added, “One thing that we were all struck by was the wonderful use of art as an outlet for the students. They have started selling their “Letters by Lincoln” artwork on a limited scale, but are in need of places to exhibit their work.”  The University is providing the students with such an opportunity, Aldridge said.

The Cortona Art Gallery is located on the second floor of Ashford University’s Clare Hall at 400 North Bluff Boulevard in Clinton. The Gallery is named for Sister Cortona Phelan, OSF, former president of Mount St. Clare College (MSC) and former president of the Sisters of St. Francis.  For many years, Sister Cortona influenced the quality of education at the college through her teaching of American history and her love of the arts.  She also served as MSC Academy principal and as dean of students at the college.

The Gallery is open to the public, free of charge, every weekday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and for private showings by appointment. For further information, please call 563.242.4023.

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.