Spring came quickly for our schools and with that comes the Middle School 3rd Trimester Parent/Teacher Conferences. This year, it was decided to spend that evening not only meeting with parents but also celebrating the learning going on in all our classrooms.
One celebration in particular was new this year –art instructor Lisa Marie Jorgensen organized and put on the First Annual WCMS Student Art Showcase for students, staff and parents. Just over 60 pieces of artwork were on display April 23rd, 2013, from 4:00pm-6:30pm.
WCMS Art Showcase
“I’ve always wanted to put on an art show for the kids but the planning always scared me,” Jorgensen said.
But this year, she faced her fear in the face and began planning.
Jorgensen started collecting work just after first trimester finished—asking some students to bring their work back and others to leave it for the remainder of the year.
“For some students, it’s a huge deal to leave their work all year, especially when they are proud of what they are creating.” Jorgensen said.
Each grade level was represented with at least 15 pieces of work from throughout the year. Eighth grade showed strong with over 20 pieces represented in the showcase.
8th Grade Pottery projects on display
8th Grade digital photography projects on display
7th Grade Op Art and Printmaking displays
7th Grade Op Art and Sculpture display
6th Grade Multi-Material and Watercolor Flowers on display
8th Grade Triptychs and Fractured Faces on display
6th Grade Perspective projects on display
5th Grade Weaving and Drawing display
“It was great! The variety, creativity and originality were unbeatable,” Gary Scholtens, Technology Instructor, said. “It was high quality, and I can’t wait to see it again next year.”
Jorgensen’s favorite part about the showcase lies in the name, “showcase.”
Rather than being run and displayed as a competition, this showcase functioned to show off what students were learning in class—not just the end result.
The work chosen showed a wide range of skill level, ability and creativity, and because of this, not one piece could be considered better than the rest.
“Students loved the recognition, including the certificate,” office secretary Judy said. “It was great to see the smiles from the diverse amount of students involved.”
One student, Ashley D, from 8th grade, just had her work returned from Des Moines, where it was on display for Youth Art Month – a state wide showcase displaying work from around the state.
“It was neat to see the commons busy with parents and students discussing what they learned,” Associate Principal Duane Harding said. “They also had a chance to see what they would be learning in coming years.”
“To put it simply, it was a success. I’m impressed with the work that I see come through my classroom and I am so thankful I get to be a part of these experiences with the children of the middle school,” Jorgensen said.
And a bonus? If you managed to stop by for conference, it was a grand buffet – while browsing through the work, you could enjoy free hot dogs, chips and water!
People enjoying free hot dogs and chips during the Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences
“There were many compliments from parents regarding the various artwork and skill levels shown,” Jorgensen said. “I’m excited to see how it grows!”
Webster City Community Schools 