A visitor to Arts Night scans a vast array of student artwork that fills one hallway wall at Sierra Elementary
Sierra Elementary went all out to showcase the creativity of its students, and to potentially spark creativity among the community as well. The school building looked more like an art gallery than an elementary school during Arts Night. Students’ artwork covered the walls in the hallways. From drawings, to paintings, to sculptures, and more, artwork from students in all grades was on display. Every medium imaginable was used, and each piece was as unique as the student who created it.
“Our community is very supportive, so it makes you want to do a good job for the moms,” explained Sierra Elementary Art Teacher Cathy Moore. “So everybody can get good pieces of art to take home to treasure for their whole life, really.”
Sierra’s Arts Night was more than a celebration of student artwork.
“This is a fabulous community gathering, where people are coming together to celebrate art – visual arts, performing arts. It’s all about the kids’ creations. It’s a fabulous thing. There are parents, grandparents. Everyone’s coming here to celebrate,” said Jeffco Board of Education member Jill Fellman.
Aside from the incredible artwork made by students, attendees also had the opportunity to view an aerial silk dance performance and a painting demonstration by artist Linda Pierrel, in which she created charcoal drawings of dogs.
The evening also demonstrated the importance of the arts in education, and in life.
“Art is important because it gives [students] a chance to use their imagination, it gives them a chance to explore materials,” said Moore. “Some kids don’t know how to play with paint, or other materials, they’re so used to buttons and computers. It’s time to get messy sometimes. It’s time to expand our ideas, instead of just filling out a form that says A,B,C,D,E,F. That’s why we need art.”
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