MONROE - Students in Orangeville are getting a chance to create art, thanks to a collaboration between concerned parents and the Monroe Arts Center.
On a regular Tuesday afternoon at Orangeville Elementary School, most students head for home either on a bus or climb into vehicles to be greeted by parents. For 17 students between kindergarten and third grade, the 3 p.m. bell means the beginning of something unavailable throughout the day: art classes.
Backpacks and light coats litter the floor outside a classroom adjacent to the cafeteria. Boisterous voices and repetitive movement fill the room while art instructor Jennifer Bethel addresses the kids with plans of what today's projects will bring.
Inquisitive kids gathered around Bethel, clamoring for supplies to begin a new project. Charlie Meyer, a first-grader, sat marking a blue sheet with dark blue apple patterns. He talked about tracing leaves and his affinity for making patterns in the sand at his house. He said he enjoys the art classes available to him and his classmates.
What he likes best about them is simple.
"Everything," Meyer said.
The cafeteria tables nearby held treasures created in the first weeks of courses by the students, displayed in preparation for an art show that evening. Kids expressed excitement over the exhibit and the chance to point out to their parents what sort of mask or painting they created.
"They're all at different levels with their art," Bethel said. "They're really excited to have structured art in their lives. It's important to have the show so they can see their work, so the community can see the art has an impact on their lives."
Bethel said the program began in April when a concerned parent approached the Orangeville school board about the lack of art classes within the district. From there, the district contacted MAC, which contracted Bethel, an art therapist, to hold classes. Bethel said within days the program was formed and within two weeks the class held 20 students from first to fifth grade.
This school year the classes began on Sept. 20. Groups are split into two, with K-2 grades and 3-5 in separate sessions. Bethel said the district has not had art classes for at least five years. What made the program possible was a group of community donors who sponsored eight weeks' worth of art supplies and helped families unable to afford the fee for their children interested in the class.
Important lessons include primary colors; understanding two-dimensional and three-dimensional drawing; and a focus on development, like patterns and designs. A spark of energy ran through the room, which Bethel noted, as lively students moved from table to table showing, off their apple-patterned artwork and swirling paints together.
"It helps them find who they are," Bethel said. "For some, art makes school better. It can help their focus. Art is healing, for us all. It's a human need."
Second-grader Cade Miller bounced around on his chair, dipping a plastic fork into blue paint to use as a pattern on the blank sheet in front of him.
"We get to color and we get to paint," Miller said. "Painting is fun."
Katie Leopold, 8, sat quietly in a chair after washing her hands to remove a rainbow of paint. She said she wants to keep attending classes.
"You get to paint and you get to draw," Leopold said. "I love art."
On a regular Tuesday afternoon at Orangeville Elementary School, most students head for home either on a bus or climb into vehicles to be greeted by parents. For 17 students between kindergarten and third grade, the 3 p.m. bell means the beginning of something unavailable throughout the day: art classes.
Backpacks and light coats litter the floor outside a classroom adjacent to the cafeteria. Boisterous voices and repetitive movement fill the room while art instructor Jennifer Bethel addresses the kids with plans of what today's projects will bring.
Inquisitive kids gathered around Bethel, clamoring for supplies to begin a new project. Charlie Meyer, a first-grader, sat marking a blue sheet with dark blue apple patterns. He talked about tracing leaves and his affinity for making patterns in the sand at his house. He said he enjoys the art classes available to him and his classmates.
What he likes best about them is simple.
"Everything," Meyer said.
The cafeteria tables nearby held treasures created in the first weeks of courses by the students, displayed in preparation for an art show that evening. Kids expressed excitement over the exhibit and the chance to point out to their parents what sort of mask or painting they created.
"They're all at different levels with their art," Bethel said. "They're really excited to have structured art in their lives. It's important to have the show so they can see their work, so the community can see the art has an impact on their lives."
Bethel said the program began in April when a concerned parent approached the Orangeville school board about the lack of art classes within the district. From there, the district contacted MAC, which contracted Bethel, an art therapist, to hold classes. Bethel said within days the program was formed and within two weeks the class held 20 students from first to fifth grade.
This school year the classes began on Sept. 20. Groups are split into two, with K-2 grades and 3-5 in separate sessions. Bethel said the district has not had art classes for at least five years. What made the program possible was a group of community donors who sponsored eight weeks' worth of art supplies and helped families unable to afford the fee for their children interested in the class.
Important lessons include primary colors; understanding two-dimensional and three-dimensional drawing; and a focus on development, like patterns and designs. A spark of energy ran through the room, which Bethel noted, as lively students moved from table to table showing, off their apple-patterned artwork and swirling paints together.
"It helps them find who they are," Bethel said. "For some, art makes school better. It can help their focus. Art is healing, for us all. It's a human need."
Second-grader Cade Miller bounced around on his chair, dipping a plastic fork into blue paint to use as a pattern on the blank sheet in front of him.
"We get to color and we get to paint," Miller said. "Painting is fun."
Katie Leopold, 8, sat quietly in a chair after washing her hands to remove a rainbow of paint. She said she wants to keep attending classes.
"You get to paint and you get to draw," Leopold said. "I love art."