NORWICH – Every year, the NYS Art Teacher Association invites its members to exhibit their students’ work at the annual NYS School Boards Association Convention. This year, a trio of up-and-coming Perry Browne Elementary artists have been hand-picked to display their work at the convention, held this year Oct. 27-29 at the Buffalo Niagra Conference Center in Buffalo.
Original artwork by sixth graders Wesley Mills and Michael Carson, and fifth grader Joshua Mioduszewski, will be featured as part of the exhibit. Mills for his Andy Warhol-inspired printmaking and self portrait, Carson for his digital photography and Mioduszewski for his pen and ink drawing, inspired by 19th century painter John James Audubon.
Kathy Pfeifer, Perry Browne art teacher and member of the NYSATA, said all three students bring their own individual talents to the plate when it comes to their work. Being selected to participate in the exhibit, she added, is no small feat.
“It’s a big deal and it’s also recognition for our school district,” stated Pfeifer. “Not everybody in New York state sends in artwork, so it really is big for them.”
Last year, the trio of artists took part in a number of other art shows, according to Pfeifer, including the NYSATA Portfolio Project. Held in Endicott, the students had to present their individual portfolios to a panel of judges. All three received a distinguished rating – the project’s highest – and the art soon to be displayed in Buffalo was also included in those portfolios.
“We’re always looking for ways to get the work of our elementary students out there,” said Pfeifer, who added the arts are vital to “educating the whole child, whether it’s visual arts or music.”
Doing so, she said, helps students to make connections in other areas, academically.
“These are the kinds of things the kids are going to remember in the future ... it’s not a test,” added Pfeifer. “Sending in something like this is kind of like our ‘test,” you could say, and it’s a testament to our entire program.”
Exhibit Coordinator for the NYSATA and NYSSBA Lisa Lawson said it’s important for all children to participate in art due to the creative potential that can result from sequential visual art instruction.
“Teachers who are members of the NYSATA receive professional development opportunities, as well as events such as this, to showcase their students artwork,” added Lawson. “The importance of art education should be focused on the individual child who learns how to problem solve, think in multiple views, use expressive visual imagery and language, and to work collaboratively with others.”