May 17, 2004 — Artsmart: Kids Making Art Their Business, presented by the Peace Corps Elementary School art club, kicks off with a public reception Wednesday, May 26, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the school.
Student artwork will be on exhibit Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. until Friday, June 11. Work displayed will include batik, clay and other media.
This year's exhibit showcases both art processes and careers based on art. The program was aided in part by an $800 Anderson Family Teacher Grant, presented by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands to art teacher Chinwe Osaze. The grant funds were used to purchase art materials, supplies and books. To supplement the program, other businesses and individuals contributed fun stuff for the club members and other students to utilize in their projects.
"Students are very excited to show off the fruits of their labor, their art," Lydia Lettsome, principal of the school, stated. "As part of the art curriculum, students were encouraged to become entrepreneurs." To support this effort, according to a press release from the school, local artisans and business professionals were invited to the classroom to talk about their art expertise and to give demonstrations designed to provide students with opportunities to explore different art processes as well as gain exposure to various art careers.
Fourth, fifth and sixth graders also benefited from an off-campus experience involving a three-hour, hands-on pottery workshop with professional potter, Savannah Garrison.
Peace Corps student artists also participated in a spot dying batik presentation by Doreen Walsh and each received a greeting card reproduction of one of her batiks.
Marketing Director of Texaco Caribbean, Winthrop Maduro, visited the classroom earlier in the year encouraging student entrepreneurism with a discussion on the possibility of adapting their art products for tourist or home furnishing markets.
Pamela Sanes, the business manager of the Reichhold Center for the Arts along with Betty Mahoney, executive director of the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts, provided students with tickets to the Philadelphia Dance Company performance of PHILADANCO at the Reichhold Center for the Arts in March.
Local musician, artist and magazine editor Louis Ible talked to students about how he got involved with different artistic media and various art forms. During his presentation he stressed how important excelling in school is to their careers. He also sang to the students to demonstrate how music and song writing is an art form.
"We must thank the community for their generosity and involvement," Lettsome said. "Their interest, expertise and encouragement coupled with their donations of money, materials and supplies have truly enriched this program. The Peace Corps faculty, staff and students encourage all parents, contributors and members of the public to visit the school and experience this very special exhibit."
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