LAKE PLACID — Next week, 500 art students from Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties will begin participating in a seven-week winter art-in-sports educational program.

The program, titled “Olympism — A New Century of Winter Arts-in-Sports,” is hosted by the Al Oerter Foundation as part of its Art of the Olympians initiative. The program is in collaboration with the state Olympic Regional Development Authority, the Lake Placid Center for the Arts and with the assistance and guidance from the leadership of the New York state Region 5 Art Teachers Association.

Educational instruction for the course is being shared between teachers of participating student art classes and by a team of international Olympian and Paralympian artists. Sessions, which will culminate with an art awards celebration on March 8 at the Lake Placid Conference Center, have been designed to provide students with a lasting impression on the spirit of Olympism by focusing on sport with art and the rich history of winter sports in the Adirondack region.

Leading the Art Of The Olympians member Olympian and Paralympian artists contingent is the foundation’s Roald Bradstock — a two-time Olympian. His affinity for impressionist art has given him the international moniker of the “Olympian Picasso.” Joining him as instructors are internationally-known artists Neil Eckersley and Annabel Eyres.

Eyres, a former sculler, was most recently chosen by the International Olympic Committee to serve as one of six Olympian artists for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

Art students from school classes, from fourth grade to seniors in high school, will be participating in educational and art contest activities. Gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded to the best in show for student artists in elementary, middle and high school level competitions. The winners will be announced at the program-ending celebration at the Lake Placid Conference Center on Saturday, March 8.