TF artists learn classic styles

The last day of the first summer school session ended with an Elementary Art Show. The show was held Thursday, June 22, at the elementary gym in Thompson Falls. Several classic artists were emulated by the students who attended this session. Kindergarteners through sixth graders were learning the masters' styles.

Included in this exhibit were Wassily Kandinsky trees. He pioneered abstract painting in the early 20th century. There were Pablo Picasso style faces, Claude Monet water lilies and bridges, Henry Matisse cut outs, Piet Mondrian cubisms and Van Gogh starry nights by kindergarteners. Georges Seurat sunsets were depicted by the first graders. He used the technique of painting with small distinctive dots to create his images known as pointillism. Other genres included Jackson Pollock Hands. Students' hand prints adorned a big canvas. And pipe cleaner sculptures done in the style of Alexander Calder by second graders demonstrated Calder's modern art surrealism. Calder is known for his kinetic art and inventing the mobile.

"We had over 100 people attend in support of our show," Amber Yates commented. Yates, who teaches kindergarten, has been instrumental in teaching classical art to her students and in the summer school programs. Several classroom teachers and paraprofessionals were in attendance as well.

Yates said another collaborative exhibit is scheduled for the open house in August before school starts.

Kim Milnor from Plains, who teaches second grade at Thompson Elementary, said they are going to the Ross Creek Cedars at the end of the next summer school session in July.