“After high school, I plan on enlisting into the Army and going to flight school to learn how to be a Black Hawk helicopter pilot,” says Clapp.

Art seems a far cry from joining the military. So why did Clapp choose an elective art class at Marion High School?

“[Drawing] is a way of expressing myself and a way for me to imagine my future,” she said.

Her future is evident in the artwork she creates and is exemplified by her parents. Karl and Mary Clapp, Leslie's parents, both have a military background. In fact, Mary Clapp recently spearheaded an effort to send 46 area WW II veterans to Washington D.C. The Marion American Legion Post 298 Commander was one of the organizers behind an Honor Flight, which flew the veterans to the nation's capital to see the WW II Memorial.

Leslie Clapp's artwork, on display at Veridian Credit Union® as part of the ArtShare program, provides a glimpse into her future plans as well. A depiction of a patriotic helicopter, which Clapp created in honor of veterans, hangs on one of the walls of Veridian's Blairs Ferry branch in Cedar Rapids. ArtShare is an award-winning program created by Veridian to give artists like Clapp exposure in the community.

“The exposure the ArtShare program gives young artists is priceless,” said Tina Hogan, regional manager for Veridian. “We're able to offer high school students an experience many artists won't see in a lifetime."

Currently, there are more than 25 original works of art on display. The two and three-dimensional pieces created by Marion High School students represent a variety of mediums such as photography, paintings and drawings and pottery.

Students like Clapp are not only given the opportunity to see their works of art on display as part of the ArtShare program, they are also given the chance to participate in a genuine art gallery premiere. On Tuesday, October 27, Clapp along with classmates, family, and members of the Cedar Rapids community, were invited to celebrate during the ArtShare Premiere. The event included refreshments, a program identifying the artists featured and a map of where to find each work of art on display. Attendees were able to roam the lobby and take in the artwork just as they would at any other gallery.

“This event is really about creating an atmosphere that is genuine. We want to give these students a true glimpse of what it's like to be a professional artist,” said Jennifer Roberts, who coordinates the event for Veridian.

The current works of art will be on display at Veridian's Blairs Ferry branch, 5805 Rockwell Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids through February 2010. The public is invited to view the pieces anytime during regular business hours. In March, a new grouping of artwork will be displayed, giving another round of Marion High School students a rare opportunity.

Veridian Credit Union, founded in 1934 in Waterloo, Iowa, is a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members. The credit union offers a full range of consumer financial services and employs more than 500 Iowans throughout 24 branches, including five locations in the Cedar Rapids area and one in Iowa City. For more information, visit www.veridiancu.org or call (800) 235-3228.

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For Immediate Release
November 19, 2009

Photos Available:

ArtShare A: Leslie Clapp is one of several Marion High School students who has artwork on display at Veridian Credit Union as part of the ArtShare program.

ArtShare B: Clapp, who plans to join the military after high school, created a pencil drawing of a patriotic helicopter to honor veterans.