Art Education Strengths: Wisconsin has got it Goin’ on!

Sarah Klein, YAM
Co-Chair

With so many opportunities to extend the art experience beyond the classroom, teachers and students can always be participating in Wisconsin’s wonderful state events. In an effort to advocate for Fontana School’s Art Program as well as the arts as a whole, I strive to give students as many
opportunities as possible. There are a few events, in addition to school-wide
art shows, Artsonia’s Online School Art Gallery, Cultural Arts Assemblies, and
more, that are some of my favorite things that happen throughout the year. 
 
One of the events that inspire Fontana School’s 8th grade class is
participation in Lake Geneva’s Annual Snow Sculpture Competition. The students
are grouped into teams and given smaller snow blocks than the professional
sculptors. Before the young sculptors even arrive at the grounds, they have
collaborated with their teammates during art class to create a small clay model
of their design. They bring tools such as shovels and spoons to hack away at
their snow cube in an attempt to duplicate their model into the larger 4’x4’
cube. When they need a break, they walk around to talk with professional ice
sculptors and warm up with hot chocolate in Lake Geneva’s, Riviera. This
opportunity is a great way for students to experience Wisconsin’s winter weather
while also being submerged in an activity all about sculptural creation and
teamwork. 

While many schools may exhibit beautiful artwork internally
throughout the year, it is important to give communities a chance to view
student creations by participating in community art shows and events. In
Wisconsin it seems that there are multiple art shows happening at all times of
the year. There is always an opportunity to showcase the hard work of young
artists. These shows inspire my teaching as I strive to give as many students
as possible the chance to participate in local Wisconsin art shows. The Geneva
Lake Women’s Association hosts an annual Children’s Art Show and this year’s
show was held at the Lake Geneva Museum. Students from Kindergarten through
eighth grade received free admission, participation awards, and recognition
from a local artist. Having individual students recognized for their art gives
them a sense of pride about what they have accomplished. These life experiences
have a huge impact on our students’ lives. I can say with pride that I am
thankful that Wisconsin constantly has something to celebrate in art. We really
do have it goin’ on!


 

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