"Art's Alive in 2005" @ your library today!

By Jerry Jones, Youth Services Librarian

April 20, 2005

Your library will take on a whole new dimension between April 16 and May 18, as it once again hosts Wyoming's largest elementary art exhibition. Entitled "Art's Alive in 2005," this is the eighth annual elementary art show and will include works from all elementary schools in the Natrona County School District. A special open house will take place on Thursday, April 28 from 5:00 to 7:30 PM. In past years, nearly 2,000 people have attended this evening reception during which students provide art demonstrations throughout the library and act as guides, helping families locate their children's works.

With over 6,000 pieces of art on display, the library will become a sea of color over the next five weeks. In the Crawford Room, visitors will be introduced to American and African folk art, including quilted patterns inspired by award-winning children's author and illustrator, Faith Ringgold, and collages created by students studying African American artist Romare Bearden.

The children's department will showcase art inspired by children's literature. As you browse the easy reader books, don't be surprised if you look up and find student artwork created with similar color, line, detail and design of such popular authors/illustrators as Tomie De Paola. Fans of L. Frank Baum's "Wizard of Oz" books will be thrilled to discover a multitude of munchkins and fairies flying throughout the room.

The top two floors of the library will also be transformed into a visual wonderland from floor to ceiling. World War II printmaking and American style pottery are just a few of the two- and three-dimensional pieces students have worked diligently to create.

The art show reception has expanded over the past eight years, and now includes other aspects of the elementary curriculum. Those attending this year will be treated to a live performance by the music department. Children and adults not content with "just looking" will be enticed to try their hand at activities like scratch art, wire sculpture, face painting, collage, wax resist and origami.

According to Tammy Hopper, art show coordinator, the thirteen elementary art teachers start saving their students' pieces of art for the art show as soon as the school year begins and begin figuring out where various pieces will be displayed months in advance. Prior to the art show's opening date, the teachers and volunteers spend two days hanging up the many pieces and arranging the displays.

The elementary students are very proud of their creations, and the art teachers are grateful for the opportunity to show off their students' work year after year. So when you stop in to the library over the next month--to check out a book, use the Tech Center or attend a program--plan to spend some extra time enjoying this show. There is much to see, and we are very happy to take part in making this an annual event that the entire community can enjoy.

Back to Table of Contents