My students need 48"X96" foam boards to create free standing tri-fold displays for over 300 pieces of their beautiful artwork to be exhibited in our annual art exhibition.
I am the Visual Arts teacher in a pre-K to 5th grade public school. Over the last 12 years we have grown from 450 students to close to 750. Academically, we meet the diverse needs of students from many cultures and ethnicities including children with special needs, English language learners, students in general education, as well as children in our gifted and talented program.
"Creativity is contagious, pass it on." -Albert Einstein
Our school community fosters a love for the arts - encouraging and nurturing our students' passion and talents. Art is as much a core discipline as the three Rs’. I am amazed at how many of our students openly express their creativity and show willingness to learn, to explore and to meet the high expectations set for them.
Our annual art show allows the students to shine. It is exciting to see the quietest student beam with pride as he/she shows off his/her work or a student with special needs, who has challenges academically, hunt with excitement to find his/her work. Testaments of their passion for art are shown through conversations students have with their parents and guests as they share their creative process.
My Project
We are quickly approaching our 4th annual Art show which takes place in our gymnasium. Although used once a year, the boards tied together allow the gym to become more of a true art gallery, more personal than a just a wide open gym with work plastered to the walls. We currently have 18 boards, which when set up, people meander through, admiring the artwork. The great thing about foam boards is that it is light, easy to move, stores flat and can be set up and taken down easily. The preparations for the art show are a team effort involving students, parents and staff. It is enjoyed by our entire school community on the same day as our annual spring music concert. Our student population and the amount of work presented have increased tremendously. These boards will help us to celebrate our numerous artistic talents with pride!
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