YOUNG TALENT AT TAFT ART SHOW

By THOMAS LAWLESS

On Friday, February 3rd, Taft Elementary School held an art show with the help of Washingtonville High School’s National Art Honor Society.  The night was filled with awe and laughter as the students showcased their breathtaking work while participating in fun activities. 

The Taft Art Show is run not only by the elementary school, but the High School’s National Art Honor Society as well. Mr. Affeldt, advisor of the National Art Honor Society, likes to call the event an Art Expo, rather than an Art Show, simply because there is so much more to do besides walking around and admiring the children’s work.  

THOMAS LAWLESS FOR WIZARD WEEKLY

Before the night began, members of the NAHS set up a variety of stations including face paint, free draw, and watercolor, as well as live demonstrations for the children to enjoy themselves. “This is the real fun part, and it's also what makes this not your typical art show. We can showcase the kids’ artwork and then have the kids go to stations where they can create things, and get their faces painted,” Affeldt mentioned. 

President of the honor society, Rebecca Flood, was not able to attend, but some of the other leaders did.  Lauren Merchant, secretary of the honor society, as well as the leader of the face painting station stated, “I’m really happy with the turnout.  The kids seemed to really enjoy it. It’s always a fun experience.” Lauren was helped by approximately ten other NAHS members to paint the kids faces which made the night that much more memorable. Whether it was pirates, lions, butterflies, or dragons being painted on their faces, all of the children who attended the art show seemed to have an amazing time. One kid even shouted, “I love the face painting station!  I come to it every year!” 

The Taft Art Show, along with showcasing the elementary students’ art, has really benefitted the high school students as well. The art show has built “an amazing community service project for the National Art Honor Society kids,” Affeldt made known. Helping out at the art show is a really fun and easy way to obtain needed community service hours for any honor society.  Mr. Affeldt adds how it’s “more like a connecting circle” when high school students go back to their roots because they want to give back to their community. 

The Taft Art Show was, yet again, a huge success for both Taft Elementary School and Washingtonville High School.  Mr. Affeldt, as well as The National Art Honor Society, are very excited for next year and can't wait to see what they can improve or add to the event to make it even better.