Annual Elementary Art Exhibit -Opening Reception

Well, it has been a while since I posted student projects because the Art Show has consumed my life for the past few weeks.  Well worth it though!  March 22 was our opening reception for the Annual Elementary Art Exhibit.  It was a fabulous evening!  Thank you to all of the parents, grandparents, students, teachers and community members for coming out to support our children and the arts.

I would guess that we had over 400 people come through the exhibit.  Our fundraiser for the permanent art collection went very well also.  My colleagues designed an awesome t-shirt featuring replicas of famous works (altered a bit of course).  Students and parents could pre-order the shirts at the openings.  Shirts will be delivered in school and the students will have an opportunity to hand-color their shirts with fabric markers.  I can't wait to see how each child colors his/her shirt.  All will be so different and wonderful.  I will post pictures of those once we have them of course.

With my recent posts I have really been focused on the issues concerning the state budget and furloughs.  As this continues to stress me and my colleagues and news comes out daily about our surrounding districts cutting programs and teachers I can't help but think about a comment my sister made to me.  In response to the exhibit she said, "Holy moley the turn out was huge!!! Very nice show!!! Well done!!! How in the world can schools start cutting art when you look at all that and how many proud parents came to see their children's work???"

I hope that parents, children and community members will recall the joy and pride that the students experienced when they came to show off their art work.   Even some of the students who act as though art isn't cool or it is not something they are interested in were proud to show off what they had created.  Art, music, library --all of these so called "extras" help our children become well rounded, creative, diverse individuals who in turn become outstanding, productive citizens. Please help keep the arts in our schools!  Visit the following link and tell our leaders how important art is to you and your children:

http://www.artsusa.org/get_involved/advocate.asp

The following links give additional information about how the arts help promote academics, staying in school and  thinking outside of the box.

http://www.artsusa.org/pdf/get_involved/advocacy/research/2010/artsed_involvement2010.pdf

http://www.artsusa.org/pdf/get_involved/advocacy/research/2010/artsed_cogdev2010.pdf

http://www.artsusa.org/pdf/get_involved/advocacy/research/2010/ready_innovate2010.pdf

Here are some photos of the reception and the art work.  Enjoy!