CHRISTMAS CLAY CREATIONS

By ELIZABETH ALLEGRO

The Christmas tree is the most well known symbol of the holiday season. Every ornament is carefully placed and picked out to perfection so that when you look at the twinkling lights it brings the warm feeling that can only be associated with this time of year. For most, each ornament has a memorable and heartwarming  story behind it. This past Saturday, December 1st, over 80 members of the community joined Washingtonville’s Art Honor society in the 2nd Annual “Paint Your Own Ornament Fundraiser” and created even more holiday memories. 

 ELIZABETH ALLEGRO FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

Last year, the event was hosted by the Class of 2018 and they graciously passed it over to the NAHS. The previous class of 2018 advisors, Mrs.Held and Mrs.Lynch had an annual idea in the works already and the students of NAHS were in the process of glazing their own ornaments. With that, the “Paint Your Own Ornament Fundraiser” was born. Mrs.Held explains how the NAHS wants to  “create events that bring both the community and NAHS members together. We want to provide opportunities for the the larger Washingtonville Community to take part in positive art experiences. Our events are family friendly and encourage participants to share in the joy of making art together. Organizing these events also provides opportunities for our members to take on leadership positions, as they help to organize and run the art-related events.” 

Tabitha Scott is a new member to the NAHS and  loved seeing how the community came together. “My favorite part of the event was definitely seeing how happy painting the ornaments made the younger kids”. The high school cafeteria was  bustling with families smiling and painting together as holiday music played in the background. The holiday feeling was nothing short of contagious. 

Later that same day,the members of the NAHS continued to spread holiday cheer when they took part in the Village of Washingtonville Who’Ville Celebration. Along with ornaments, they sold a variety of handmade ceramic gifts. The Village Mayor, as well as the Grinch, made a special appearance at their booth. 

The event this year was a fundraiser for the Art Honor Society drawing trip to the Bronx Botanical Gardens in the spring. The group has gone on multiple educational field trips including a trip to the Museum Modern Art and the Guggenheim Museum.  Fundraisers are important so that all members can afford to attend.

Mrs.Held would like to thank everyone in the community who made the fun, festive and heartwarming event. If you missed out on the fun,  The National Art Honor Society is hosting a similar event on January 5th, 2019. The Glaze Your Own Mug/Bowl Fundraiser is $12 to participate and 50% of the profits went to Empty Bowls WHS (Food Bank of the Hudson Valley and the Country Kids Food Pantry).  Join the community in more fun!