Alyssha Ginzel
Managing Editor
The halls of the Fine Arts Building buzzed with smiling young artists displaying their masterpieces in water color, paper-mache, and crayon.
Yes, you heard right. Crayon.
Art teachers from over 25 elementary schools in the St. Clair Country area proudly recognized student art on the opening day reception to the forty-fourth annual Beatrice Thornton Art Exhibit Thursday, Feb. 2.
Approximately 915 two-dimensional pieces and over 200 three-dimensional pieces currently decorate the walls of the Fine Arts Building, giving the school a colorful, joyful renovation.
Students aged kindergarten through fifth grade anxiously whirled through the crowd of fellow artists Thursday evening in attempt to hunt out their prize piece.
“Look, mom, look!” was often heard as a child beamed with excitement to proud parents.
Elementary students view peer artwork. Photo by Alyssha Ginzel
Parents of six year old triplets Ethan, Ella, and Collin Martin from Garden Elementary were pleased to have each of their children display a piece in the exhibit.
The exhibit also welcomed several art teachers to the event who supported and congratulated their students.
Kumar Sarcar, an art teacher at Thomas Edison Elementary, Michigamme Elementary, and Trinity Elementary said he loves teaching children because, “They have good, positive attitudes and open minds.”
His second grade student, Camryn Sparschu from Thomas Edison Elementary was belated to see Mr. Sarcar and welcomed him with a hug just before answering what must have been a question that stumped the class earlier in the day. “I know the answer! I know it! Van Gough was Dutch,” she said affirmatively. “Am I right? Am I the first to get the answer!?”
Such positive, healthy support from the family and the community can only be beneficial and encouraging to extending the children’s learning experience outside of the classroom.
Thanks to SC4, the curiosity of the elementary students could also be nurtured in extending their visit to exploration of art classrooms at SC4.
Many thanks to Karen Jezewski and to all others who helped organize and host the event for providing such a warm, constructive, positive atmosphere for the students and their parents.
SC4 will host the opening day reception to the portion of the Beatrice Thornton Student Art Exhibit, which will include middle school and high school art from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 1.
Any further questions can be answered by Karen Jezewski at (810) 989-5709.