Art Slam showcases Two Eagle River student talent
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PABLO – A roar of laughter erupted in the Two Eagle River school lobby, as Maria Alkadhem, a foreign exchange student from Saudi Arabia, grabbed Damon James’s hand and brought him to the stage. Alkadhem swayed her arms back and fourth, in a vibrant Saudi Arabian traditional yellow-striped dress, while James added his own flare on Wednesday, May 11, as students at Two Eagle River school showcased their talents and hard work during the ninth annual Art Slam.
Alkadhem has been performing the dance her entire life, as it’s an important part of her culture. She says the dance is generally performed at parties, weddings, and special occasions.
“I just wanted them to see some of my cultural traditions,” Alkadhem said, “I think it’s important that I teach people about where I come from.”
The slam was more like a variety show, featuring photography, 2D and 3D art, beadwork, music, poetry, paintings, quilts and drawings.
Students competed for monetary prizes, as first place received $40, second took $30, third took $20, and honorable mention took $10. All money given away was provided through the student activity fund.
Colorful paintings, drawings, and quilts lined the walls, along with black and white photographs students both captured and then printed at school.
The crowd remained entertained throughout the afternoon, often laughing as some took the opportunity to be silly, while others conveyed their emotions through heart-felt poems about their lives. One group received high praise as they sang the Janis Joplin a cappella classic, “Mercedes Benz” at the top of their lungs.
The crowd turned their attention to a slideshow at the end of the slam, featuring photography students best work of the year.
“Some students work all year on their projects, especially those who decide to make a quilt,” English teacher Rebekah Knudsen-Dalbey said.
The goal of the annual art slam is to foster creativity in students, and to keep them motivated.
“By holding this event we keep some kids in school,” Knudsen-Dalbey said.
She explained that many students get nervous before taking the stage, but always come through with a great performance. The slam varies each year, as each student has a unique talent to present.
“We have a lot of talent here,” she added. “It’s always nice to see what they will come up with.”
