Dance students perform “In Summer” from the movie Frozen.
Spring Art Fair
Forestville Elementary was turned into an art museum last week.
The school’s Parent Teacher Association held it’s Spring Art Fair on Thursday, displaying works by about 70 student artists and professionals from Great Falls Studios.
“We do this every two to three years,” said event organizer and PTA member Maureen Gatti. “The artists have really appreciated being here for the children and the children like meeting the professional artists.”
In the cafeteria, dance performances to popular songs like “In Summer” from the movie Frozen, even got the children in the audience dancing. Proud parents took pictures of their children on stage or in front of their art display.
Fifth grade student Cassie Dallas, 11, said her love of oil painting began after she saw an artist painting at her local farmers market. Her parents sent her to lessons, and she gets to paint for one to two hours with her instructor every week.
“It’s fun,” she said. “I like the colors.”
She said her inspiration comes from the scenes she captures on her camera when she goes on vacation to places like the Dominican Republic and Long Beach Island, New Jersey.
Another fifth grade student, 11-year-old Maddie Koenig, had the same feeling about her love for art.
Her artwork was made with a diverse number of media, including one piece with splashes of paint dripping down a canvas with crayons attached to it, creating the illusion that the crayons were melting.
“I just feel like I have always liked art,” she said shyly. “I really like [the event]. It’s really fun seeing all the styles of artwork here.”
Her dad, Joe Koenig, advocated for her artwork.
“She’s got a great eye for color,” he said.
Getti said the show gave the students a sense of pride for the work they were exhibiting. Art teacher, Renee Riddell, said that is what makes creating art so effective in schools.
“We think art gives them the opportunity for success,” she said. “It’s a time where there’s truly no right answer. It’s a way they can go outside the box and use those creative skills necessary for the business world.”