The Edwardsville Art Center (EAC) recognized Dr. Ed Hightower as the 2014 Patron of the Arts award winner on Thursday, Jan. 29.

The EAC occupies two renovated classrooms in the east wing of EHS. The EAC board approached Dr. Hightower and the District 7 board in 2010 in search of a permanent home for the EAC. The new home for the EAC was later opened in April 2011.

At the event, EHS Culinary Club prepared refreshments for guests to enjoy at the reception, along with a complimentary Dr. Ed Hightower face mask. EAC staff instructed visitors to hold the mask up when Dr. Hightower appeared. The masks made many laugh, including Dr. Hightower himself.

The EAC buzzed with conversation, as people expressed their amazement toward the art pieces that all had one thing in common: they all depicted Dr. Hightower and his life story.

“There are a lot of pictures of your face here,” a young spectator pointed out to him.

From referee uniform to suit and tie, numerous media portrayed Dr. Hightower. Chalk drawings, charcoal drawings and multimedia displays all featured the retiring District 7 Superintendent.

Digital photo collages, made up of separate pictures EHS yearbook photographers shot, depicted one big image of Dr. Hightower. In cooperation with the EAC staff, 500 of the students’ photographs from various EHS events formed an even bigger picture leaving many in awe.

“I’ve been on the biggest stages in sports and I’ve never been this amazed,” Dr. Hightower said.

Sophomore Carter Todd’s charcoal drawing was featured as the only piece created by a student alone.

Principal Dr. Dennis Cramsey recognized Todd on his accomplishment. His art also appeared on T-shirts commemorating the event.

“To see my drawing on the shirts and on the wall was really neat,” Todd said.

The artwork was on sale ranging from $100 to $200.