Phoenicia Elementary artists have been working diligently for many months to complete two school-wide art projects that connect to classroom curriculum. Inspired by the local Leaping Trout Art Project and other community based art “themes” around the country, we dove into making trout themed art. First and second grade students raised trout in the classroom from eggs to small fingerlings. These were released into local waters on May 15th.
During April and May student art projects of trout were exhibited at the Phoenicia Public Library. First grade painted watercolor trout mobiles, decorated with strands of beads and their own trout poetry. Second grade artists created paper maché trout sculptures and painted them in imaginative themes. Third grade artists created fish mobiles using wire, treasures, trash and found objects. We hope our art helped viewers think about what we leave behind in our local watershed and how that might harm our wildlife. Our art received rave reviews from the community. Articles have been featured on Trout Unlimited’s website and newsletter.
Our next project involved the entire school painting self-portraits. Beth Humphrey, the arts educator at Woodstock Arts Museum (WAAM) gave a presentation on portraits showing diverse styles and personalities. Students and several faculty painted their own personalities with acrylics. Our portraits were displayed during May at the Arts Upstairs Gallery in Phoenicia. Many families attended the art opening.
On May 6th students and staff members walked the town to visit the gallery and library to see our work on display. Thank you OTA for once again enriching our art program with mini-grant funding.
~ Diane Godfrey