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Region 15 Invites the Public to Explore the 19th Annual Art Gallery Members of the public are invited to explore the 19th Annual Region 15 Art Gallery, Friday, April 27th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, April 28th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Pomperaug High School Gymnasium and the All Purpose Room, No. 107. Visitors are encouraged to come and experience thousands of works of art created by students in all grades. Guests, who attend the show, will make their way through a student’s artistic progression from kindergarten to elementary, middle, high school and advanced placement art work. “Art shows primarily display the artistic end products,” explains Region 15’s Director of Fine Arts, Jane Sarjeant. “In Region 15 the end product emerges from carefully sequenced lessons which infuse skills, techniques, historical and artistic concepts, and creative processes,” she says. This year, fifth grade morning art students from Middlebury Elementary School will pilot a docent program for patrons of the show. About a dozen student volunteers will take rotating turns answering questions and providing information about the work created at their school in all grades. They will also become familiar with the layout of the entire show to direct visitors to art from other schools. “The students are very excited about this opportunity to share their work and that of their peers,” said MES Art teacher, Kathleen Miller. “They will be available to discuss the art, what it’s about and the challenge and lesson behind each piece,” she explains. “Being a docent will be a lesson in itself.” “Region 15’s art teachers teach their students to think creatively and critically with an inquisitive, open and empathetic mind,” said Ms. Sarjeant. “As you view the art work in the show, try to dialogue with students about the art process. Ask students questions about their feelings and thoughts relative to their work and the work of others.” Younger students in particular may be anxious for parents to see their art work. Once you have viewed your own child’s work or in a case where they do not have a piece represented at the gallery, continue to explore the show with them. “I really love walking around the show and seeing work by high school kids,” said MES student, Justin C., who will serve his school as a docent. “I think it’s cool how they use different materials like Papier-mâché, trash cans and wire formed into people. They just make amazing things. You can be inspired by other people’s work,” said Justin. Members of the art department strive to show artwork from as many students as possible. Once art teachers begin hanging the work, it is nearly impossible to ensure each child is represented. The digital art show, which was created in an effort to exhibit even more student artwork, will be back by popular demand. The Art Gallery is one of various venues where students’ art work is publicly shown. Although a child might not have a piece in this year’s show, efforts are made throughout the year to include their work in other displays such as the Middlebury and Southbury public libraries, at Central Office and in businesses that participate in the Region’s Art Outreach Program. These additional venues are part of the Region’s efforts to bring student art into the community. “We are most fortunate to have a community that truly values the worth of high quality art education,” said Ms. Sarjeant. “We are thankful for the many local businesses that display our student work and the residents who support our annual District Art Gallery year after year. We invite you again this year to enjoy and be delighted by the hard work and creativity exhibited by our Region 15 students,” she said. Only on Saturday, April 28th, Region 15 will offer a shuttle bus service, donated free of charge by First Student Bus Company, at East Hill Woods and Heritage Village in Southbury. The shuttle will be available at the East Hill Woods Main Lobby at 8:30 a.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. It boards at the Heritage Village Paddock Parking Lot at 8:45 a.m. and again at 9:45 a.m. The bus will drop passengers off at the front entrance of Pomperaug High School. Riders can catch a return shuttle at the high school at either 10:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. to travel back to East Hill Woods and Heritage Village.  |