Horizon students present ‘Epic Art Adventure Exhibition’

Horizon Elementary School students proved their art skills during the “Epic Art Adventure Exhibition” on Nov. 14.

The Epic Adventure allowed the Horizon students to appreciate their own talents and the importance of expressing and sharing without using words.

Students in grades K-6 presented more than 175 pieces of artwork that they described as “giants walking through cities.”

“Students created artwork inspired by Pablo Picasso’s style, using black and white to understand cubism,” art teacher Cathy Newby said. They created Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and then interpreted the painting using oil pastels.

Students also studied animal molas of the Cuna Indian tribes. “The younger age groups created beautiful abstract landscapes that tested their fine motor skills,” she said.

The Epic Adventure allowed the Horizon students to appreciate their own talents and the importance of expressing and sharing without using words.

“I always encourage my students to especially have fun while creating their art and give them praise whether they create a masterpiece or not,” Newby said.

At the event, Newby invited her students to join her on stage, as family members applauded loudly.

“I felt proud of what they had done the night of our Epic Art Adventure Exhibition. Some students had their artwork on display for the first time so they smiled big,” she said.

As the semester ends, Newby’s classes are using their “Arts Attack” series and viewing videos of famous artists.

“They’re creating as much new art as possible before I leave for Mill Creek Elementary School,” Newby said.

This school year, Newby is teaching art at Horizon and Mill Creek. “Enrollment for Horizon is approximately 548 students, with 22 students in one sitting,” she said.

“The major challenge for elementary students to grasp in art is having art for two semesters and then switching to music because of a lack of funding for full-time art/music teachers,” Newby said. “I continue to motivate the students while they remember what I taught them to do for themselves.”

Newby acknowledged Horizon Principal Rodney Richardson, Assistant Principal Kimberly Stewart, PTA and parents for supporting the art program.