Lorelai B

Art class eyes

St. Robert School’s theme this year is “Open our eyes to clearly see the wonders of your teachings.” This theme is based on Psalm 119. One way that the school is highlighting the theme is through their art. The school theme last year was “Be the Light.” Last year, this was shown through art when students made drawings of their hands that were displayed in the hallway forming a large sun. This year, Ms. Ciganek returned with more creative ways to bring the school theme to life through art.

Mrs. Ciganek explained, “For the last two years, when we have had a school-wide theme at St. Robert, I have used the theme as motivation for art projects to start the school year… Last year, the theme was ‘Be the Light,’ and everyone traced their hand and added decorative patterns to it. Then all hands were combined into a large sun mural on the board outside the library.” The sun was a beautiful reminder to students and staff each day to continue to focus on showing Christ’s love to the world. 

This year’s theme of “Open our eyes to clearly see the wonders of your teachings” has been an inspiration for all students from K4 to 8th grade. The theme pushes students to be open to seeing and understanding how God is present in our world and how they are all called to live for Him each day. They have to be willing to see God’s love and plan in all around them. Focusing an art project on the theme makes students more aware of the theme and also could make the students feel like they are a part of the school’s focus, bringing those words on the wall to life.

Mrs. Ciganek said that the kids in K4 used crayons while the older students used a combination of crayons, colored pencils, and paint for their project. The creativity of all grades is shown through their art but also the materials that they use. For example, the older kids use a collection of things so their art will be more personalized through the mediums they choose while the younger kids using crayons show their creativity in other ways. 8th graders created eyes with abstract backgrounds and intrict irises. 4th and 5th graders on the other hand showed their creativity by turning the irises into other objects and designs.

In conclusion the school theme this year and last year has been shown through the art of all children. In doing this all of the children in the school can show how they contribute to the school through their creativity and their art makes them feel like they are a part of the school, even more connected to the chosen theme.