Cherry Valley continues art show tradition
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News from Cherry Valley Principal Jon Gustafson
POLSON - Spring is here and once again it is time for Cherry Valley’s annual “Night of The Arts.” The event was held April 24. Every year Cherry Valley celebrates the fabulous artwork created by their students. The theme for this year’s event is “Art Tells a Story, The Magical Connection between Art and Books.”
Hall displays centered around books read in class and the art created to celebrate those books. Students also chose some of their favorite pieces they made this year to display around the building. It is amazing to see the creativity and joy produced by these young artists.
This school’s art tradition has been going strong for over 20 years. Former principal, Elaine Meeks, and community volunteer Edna Lemm were instrumental in starting this event. Year after year, Cherry Valley teachers put in the hard work to transform the building into a giant art gallery. First–grade teacher, Joanie Bowen, has led the Cherry Valley’s “Night of The Arts” committee for many years and helps organize this well attended event. She is an art enthusiast and helps Cherry Valley maintain all of the art supplies so that kids can enjoy creating art in their classrooms.
This year’s event was filled with a variety of activities. In the gym, families created folktale puppets and other art projects, had a delicious cookie, and posed for pictures next to some interesting folk and fairytale characters painted by the teachers. There was an art scavenger hunt where families hunted for famous art prints displayed around the building. Two story times were scheduled in the library with special guest readers. Large graffiti walls were set up in different places for students to draw with chalk. The hallways were filled with extraordinary art made by preschoolers, kindergarteners, and first graders.
Art plays such a critical role in the development of young minds. Self-expression and creativity grow when students can draw, cut, paint and build with interesting materials. The teachers at Cherry Valley work hard to create the best art experiences to boost learning and excitement at school. The Night of The Arts is a proud tradition we hope to continue here at Cherry Valley for many years to come.
