Art students from Colonial School District are 'enhancing the world'

If you go to the Philadelphia Museum of Art on May 14, you can see temporary exhibits of 1970s-era American Photographs, unique Gee's Bend Quilts and, of course, the many treasures in PMA's permanent collection.

Not a fan of city traffic?

If you don't like city traffic, consider visiting Colonial Middle School in Plymouth Meeting to see the contemporary American photographs, Native American-inspired weaving, and many other original pieces on display as part of Colonial School District's yearly art show. The event starts on May 14, continues through May 20, and showcases work by students from all seven CSD schools. There will be an opening reception on May 15 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

This year's theme is “Enriching the World through the Arts,” and spokesman Rochelle Rocchi, an art teacher at Whitemarsh Elementary School, explains it was prompted by “the Colonial School District Vision ‘To prepare resilient lifelong learners and leaders who will enrich the world.’”

“We believe that art has the power to enlighten the world to new ideas, differing perspectives and a better understanding and awareness of social issues,” Rocchi continues.

That said, students at Conshohocken Elementary School recently created art focused on environmental awareness for an exhibit at Conshohocken Environmental Advisory Council’s Conshy GreenFest.

Conshohocken art teacher Sydney Alexy maintains such projects also “give the community a chance to see that art isn’t just beautiful, it is important, which they can see in the pride of the students who are featured.”

“When I ask a student if they are comfortable with me putting their artwork in the district show, their face lights up,” Alexy says.  “The district art show gives students a physical space…to reflect on and be proud of the time, effort and passion they put into their piece.”

Fellow teacher Traci Rovinsky, who teaches art at CMS, says showcasing their art in public helps students connect with their community.

“The district art show allows students to share their perspective on the world through the art they create,” Rovinsky adds.  “They learn that their view matters, and they can make our community a better place.”

CSD teachers believe a collaborative weaving project by elementary students, created after their teachers visited Doylestown for Michener Museum’s “Never Broken:  Visualizing Lenape Histories” exhibit, also enhanced their understanding of the community’s roots.

“This year, the district’s Art Department has taken the initiative to research and learn more about the history and culture right within our own community,” says Curriculum Supervisor Maria Wileczek.  “In turn, they are modeling and sharing this information with students, exposing them to the techniques, medium and purpose of weavings…helping students to understand and honor our community’s past.

The variety of work by students in all grades helps students see how they are improving and how they could develop as artists, according to Colonial Middle School art teacher Julie Horwitz.

“I enjoy the connections we create – from kindergarten to 12th grade – at the district show,” Horwitz says. “Each year, I eagerly anticipate the kids’ excitement, seeing what is ahead for them in future art classes at higher levels and looking back on their art experiences in the past, in previous grades and at lower levels.”

Candance Maggioncalda, an art teacher at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, agrees.

“A district art show introduces students to the different classes they can take in middle and high school,” Maggioncalda says.  “It also brings our community together and gives students a chance to share their creativity with their family, friends and the entire school district.”

Colonial Middle School's address is 716 Belvoir Road, Plymouth Meeting.  More details about CSD’s May 14-20 art show can be found at: www.colonialsd.org.