ELEMENTARY STUDENTS EXPERIENCE ART FEST

For Press Publications What would convince students and teachers to attend school on Saturday?

The answer was evident Saturday at Blackhawk Middle School as third-, fourth- and fifth-graders from several area elementary schools attended Art Fest.

Students had the rare opportunity to try new types of art mediums. From creating colorful mosaics to performing on stage, students learned new art forms and met new friends.

In its fourth year, the Art Fest exposes students to activities they otherwise may never have the chance to try.

“They get to meet kids from other buildings and work collaboratively and cooperatively in the activities they participate in,” said Paula Mueller, fine-arts coordinator for Bensenville Elementary District 2.

“The reason we did this in the very beginning was because this district was in a financial crunch for a while and so they had to cut back on staff. To do that, they cut out [physical education] teachers, music teachers, art teachers and librarians,” said Mueller.

With a perceived lack of arts activities offered in grade schools, the Bensenville Arts Council decided to offer a day of art activities for students.

“The program brings children together from different Bensenville schools so we have a wide variety of different cultures here,” said Johnson. “We appreciate everyone’s effort and cooperation that makes this possible.”

Among several teachers and volunteers was Blackhawk Middle School art teacher Susan Solberg, who was busy teaching students several different yarn-weaving techniques.

Her students were challenged as they used cardboard looms and different textured yarns to create colorful wall hangings, purses,scarves, rugs and other accessories.

Students began with learning the basic tabby weave, knotting, wrapping and basket weaves.

“For some of [the students] they haven’t done anything like this before, and it’s a three-dimensional art form,” said Solberg.

“Because it’s a voluntary experience for them, most of the kids who sign up are highly motivated and want to learn,” said Solberg.

“I think it’s really fun,” said 9-year-old third-grader Lisandra Montenegro, who was busy creating a rug that depicted a rainbow.

In a unique way, eight groups of students learned to play percussion instruments and worked together on fables with Blackhawk Middle School band directory Stacey Larson.

Each instrument represented a character from the fables, and different sounds were played for each character.

Students became familiar with percussion instruments such as the bass drum, the xylophone, jingle bells, shakers and cowbells.

“I really enjoy working with the younger kids and to see such an interest in the arts - such an important venue,” said Larson.

Other students created intricate tile mosaics with art teacher Sally Seawright, who teaches art at local elementary schools.