By Crystal Hayduk
“Art in April” is the emphasis throughout the Chelsea School District as the annual Art Extravaganza, which opened at on April 16 and runs through April 28.
The art show consists of K-12 students’ works created in art classes. At the elementary and middle school levels, both two- and three-dimensional art is represented. With additional art electives available at the high school, older students’ displays include drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, and multimedia.
Senior Abe Cone’s nationally recognized linoprints are also on display. “He has his own category,” said high school art teacher Georgina Rutherford.
Elementary art teacher Penny Olsen said that she and the other art teachers are proud of the creativity that their students exhibit. “When children go beyond the scope of the lesson and experiment with the materials to make personal discoveries – that’s what turns their art into things that are totally unique,” she said.
Kathy Gunderson, a retired Jackson School District art teacher, and Barb Ruth, an art collector and former owner of Rovin Ceramics, were this year’s judges. They had such a difficult time deciding placements at the high school level that they awarded two third place ribbons, giving each category four winners instead of the usual three.
Sharing in “Best of Show” was sophomore Olivia Maldonado for her oil painting, and Abe Cone for his print collection.
A new and exciting aspect of this year’s art show is the use of the free app, Aurasma. Beach Middle School art teacher Kim Eder demonstrated the app with her iPad, and explained that the district is trying it out this year with art projects of sixth through eighth graders.
When a person with the Aurasma app points his or her device at a piece of art, the artist’s photo appears on the device.
The Art Department is also raising funds through the sale of T-shirts. “We want to be able to offer school-wide assemblies, bringing in expert artists who can provide the students with more of an education aspect,” said Olsen. The T-shirts, designed by Chelsea art student Shaelynn Romero, can be ordered through April 29 here.
Art Extravaganza will be on display at the Washington Street Education Center, 500 Washington St., through April 28. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on weekends from 1 to 3 p.m. Artwork is in Room 100 and the cafeteria, with juried art located in the board room.
