Featured art work shows off talent

On Saturday, April 22, the pre-K through 6th grade art classes at Marshall Academy hosted their first-ever elementary art show at the school. Works were on display in the gym from each class, as well as collaborative installation pieces themed for Earth Day.

This is the second year that Marshall Academy has offered art as a weekly rotation option for elementary students, in addition to PE, computer, library, and optional dance classes. Amanda McCord has been the teacher both years.

This year, McCord decided to feature their work in a combined art show and fundraiser for the program. She curated pieces from each class, which included crumple art in 4K, folk art in third grade, and pencil drawings from “The Lion and the Mouse” in sixth grade. Sometimes McCord would have students create artwork inspired from a book they were reading in the library. Other times, she would have them interpret styles of art, like kindergarten’s impressionist trees in the style of Cassatt or second grade’s Ce’zanne-inspired fruit bowl paintings. This year, students have covered a range of art styles, including watercolor, still life, and movement art. Students also worked with clay, forming everything from colorful donuts and ice cream sundaes to playful frogs and caterpillars

“Kids can learn a lot through art,” says McCord, who also maintains the elementary library and computer lab. “It’s a chance for them to develop skills that they might not otherwise discover in the classroom, and it lets them explore their creative side, which can lead to other interests.”

Studies suggest that McCord is right. According to US News and World Report, art education can help kids engage with school and reduce stress, develop socialemotional and interpersonal skills, enrich their experiences, handle constructive criticism, bolster academic achievement, and even improve focus.

Head of school Jason Taylor agrees. “I’m really proud of what Amanda has accomplished with our students,” he says. “They are excited to go to her rotation, they have fun while they are in her classroom, and they are ready to go back each week. I’m constantly impressed with the level of skill that she is able to get from each student. Her program is one of the best parts of our elementary school.”

The money collected at the door at the show, as well as a canvas raffle for Grandparents Day, will help purchase supplies for the upcoming school year.

“Next year, I want to display even more of what our kids can do,” says McCord. “I want our students to display the works they are most proud of, and I want to give them even more opportunities to express themselves.”

McCord continues, “Art is a way for children to be themselves and not feel pressured to be like everyone else. It gives opportunities for them to be proud of what they’ve created and build on their confidence.”