In an effort to encourage their “personal artistic journey,” 360 works of art by the students of Juan Cabrillo Elementary School, grades kindergarten through 5th, will be displayed for two days at the Mc Lean Gallery beginning Saturday.
The show will include landscapes, cityscapes, seascapes, portraiture, mixed-media collage and block prints.
This is the second annual art show designed to commemorate the students’ hard work and creative exploration. The students of Juan Cabrillo chose all the work displayed. Last year’s event was at Point Dume Elementary School.
Sage Laskin, who is the art instructor for Juan Cabrillo and Point Dume, says it is a way for the children to “exhibit their art on a museum wall away from the classroom setting, and say, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s my work.’ “
Laskin went on to say that the children are so proud to be able to choose the best of their work, without anyone judging them.
“In celebrating the children’s hard work, it actually encourages them to continue their personal artistic journey,” says Laskin.
She added that last year’s event was so gratifying for the children, and in viewing their works in progress, it was evident they were having fun.
McKenna Furgurson, 8, reaffirmed Laskin’s comment, saying: “Art is special, you get to paint, do collages and have fun.”
In addition to the “fun” aspect, the young art students also gain something else from their work– the ability to communicate in another medium.
“There are no rules in art, you draw something and just express yourself,” said Sara Crenshaw, 8.
Cameron Ritchie, 9, finds that “art expresses something to me, it is a story. It’s a great thing to do.”
Pat Cairns, principal of Juan Cabrillo, is a big supporter of the art effort. “I can’t think of a more wonderful way to showcase all of the children’s artwork,” says Cairns. “Art is such an important part of a child’s total development in school.”
This view is reflected by Gerardo Resendiz, 8, who says he likes art because “when I see art that I am working on, it’s like I’m really there.”