NOT YOUR AVERAGE ART SHOW

By KELLY TOM

Every year the Parent-Teacher Association at Taft sponsors an art show at their  elementary school.  It is a time and place where not only student artwork is displayed, but where many students are given the opportunity to create works of art as well.  The National Art Honor Society donates their time to assist in the evening’s festivities adding to the fun and excitement. 

There were many creative stations run by high school NAHS members offered at the art show ranging from drawing, watercolor painting, clay sculpting and face painting.  WHS senior and NAHS member, Kayla Henriquez stated, “The face painting station was a big hit with the kids” and it was “also [her] personal favorite.” 

KELLY TOM FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

Owen Leonard, a third grader at Taft Elementary, had his Jaws watercolor painting displayed, along with many of his fellow classmates, in the showcase in the school’s gym.  He explained that “the Jaws logo was made by a stencil and then I painted red watercolor over it.”  Not only did Owen have his creative artwork on display, but he participated at some of the many stations at the show.  His personal favorite was the drawing station because, “I think I like drawing better because drawing is kind of easier than painting and you can just erase if you make a mistake.”  

Mrs. Held, advisor of the National Art Honor Society expressed, “It’s a wonderful opportunity for the younger kids to interact with the high school students and get to make art.”  NAHS provides the art stations and art supplies for the show, as well as the volunteers.  WHS sophomore and volunteer Joseph Whittle exclaimed, “It’s not just boring community service; its fun!”

“My favorite part is just getting the kids involved.  You can just have a regular art show where people look at art but, we actually get kids involved in [the] art which may have them want to do art [in the future] which I really like,” stated Henriquez.  Not many art shows allow students to not only admire art, but to participate in making it as well. 

Mrs. Held also stated, “I think it just showcases the talent and compassion that we have at the high school.  You know that these high school students are willing to come here and give up their personal time to be good and creative role models so that makes me feel really happy.”

The art show is an annual event, so art enthusiasts who where unable to attend this year should make a point of checking it out in 2019.  It is truly a night to remember for young and old alike!