From cash and bonds to family heirlooms and jewelry, there are plenty of valuable items stored at Oxford Bank.
But the most rare and irreplaceable thing located at the 60 S. Washington St. branch these days is a collection of art produced by Oxford students in grades K-12.
Hanging on the walls behind the teller’s counter are 16 colorful and vibrant examples of student talent and vision, representing Oxford’s five elementaries, middle school and high school.
‘Everybody likes it,? said Tony Lasher, marketing director for Oxford Bank. ‘The employees love it because our walls were kind of bare before. Customers are talking about it.?
The mini-exhibit, which is on display now through March 31, is a joint venture between the community bank and Orion Art Center.
‘Since the inception of the art center, the Oxford Bank has always been very supportive,? said Reggie Harrison, executive director of the center located at 115 S. Anderson St. in downtown Lake Orion.
The art center recently exhibited 47 examples of Oxford student art, along with pieces from Lake Orion Schools including St. Joseph Catholic School. Sixteen exquisite works of Oxford art were selected for the bank exhibit.
Elementary students with art on display include Madison McClear and Sydney Arnold from Clear Lake; Audrey Krause from Daniel Axford; Emilie Garnier from Lakeville; Megan Darocha and Kendall Losee from Leonard; and Jessica Martelli and Luke Meyer from Oxford.
Middle school artists are Titus Shumaker, Hadassah Christie and Mackenzie Deck.
High school artists Anna Daves, Heather Workman, Kayla Kraniak, Bobby Desmarais and Sarah Braun also have work on display.
The bank hopes customers will take the time to appreciate a little beauty and maybe glean some inspiration during their next transaction.