Today I learned about some fantastic things going on within our art department, and I just HAD to share this on my blog. Mr. Scott Dykema, one of our art instructors, passed on the following information to me today:
From Mr. Dykema:
"I wanted to keep you up to date on what we are doing in the Escanaba Art department. We usually do not do much at the beginning of the year because we are in the process of building our art collection. One thing that I do in the Middle School is put all students artwork into an online portfolio or gallery which is on a web site called Artsonia. This is the largest collection of student artwork in the world. We have over 2,000 pieces of art on this site and are rated top 10 in the state. We are scored on how many pieces of artwork, fan club members (like friends on Facebook), comments, and funds. Anyone of our students who are signed up can buy items with their artwork on them. The Middle School Art Department gets 15% of that money. I like this site because it gets the parents and students involved in art. This is the first year I have tried to get all of the students in the Middle School. So far so good. You can click HERE:
Escanaba on Artsonia to see our school's site.
The big event at this time of the year is the Bonifas Center's Youth in Arts Exhibit. This is where schools in the area select their best art from their students and display them in the Bonifas gallery. The reception for K-5 is February 18 from 6-7 p.m. And the reception for 6-12 is February 25 from 6-7 p.m. Awards will be given out at this time. There is also drinks and cake. I will be at the February 25th reception. Usually the Escanaba Middle School gets a good turn out in awards.
The other big event starting March 15th - April 19th is the 8th annual Monster Art Show. This is at the Delta Plaza Mall. What the Art teachers (1st - 12th) try to do is get a sample of artwork from every student in the district that has an art class and put them on display at the mall. We usually get about 1,400 pieces of art. I am pretty sure that this is the biggest art exhibit in the UP and most likely the State of Michigan. About 8 years ago the art teachers decided to start this mall exhibit. We decided to do this because we wanted everyone to have a chance to display their art, not just the "best" art projects. It has taken me about 8 years to get enough funding for over 100 display panels. This year we should have the biggest show ever."
Final comments from Ms. Burley:
If you are in the Escanaba area during these events, I encourage you to try to attend! What an honor for our students to be able to showcase their artwork! Thanks to Mr. Dykema for sharing this information!