Sandy Hook Elementary School students and their parents walked down the hallway at the school the evening of May 24 to see a school year's worth of art displayed along the walls.

It was the fourth and final elementary art show of the school year for the district. Each school hosted its own night to showcase student artwork created in kindergarten to fourth grade. Hawley Elementary School's art show was held on May 11, Middle Gate Elementary School's art show was held on May 18, and Head O' Meadow Elementary School's art show was held on May 22.

From "Monochromatic Desert Paintings" to sculptures of "baked goods" inspired by the Pop art movement, there was a range of artwork to see at Sandy Hook School. Near the lower grade level classrooms drawings of "Lovable Lions" and "Proud Peacocks," both by kindergarten students, were on display near first grade drawings of sunflowers inspired by the artist Vincent van Gogh. Paper creations of "Owl Studies" stretched along the walls showing some of what the second grade students learned in art this year.

A description for the "Owl Studies" read, "After studying owl photographs and examples of owl-inspired art from different cultures, second grade artists created owl kites and prints using a variety of artistic elements and techniques. Each design reflects the individual artist's vision and emphasizes their favorite characteristics and qualities of their subject."

Art teachers Jean Walter and Kim Hossler greeted students as they arrived with their family members.

"They are amazingly creative," said Ms Hossler of her students this year, "and we are so proud of the work they do."

Seeing so much art work on display on the school's walls, Ms Hossler said, was a great way for the art teachers to reflect on the year's worth of work.

Newtown's Director of Visual and Performing Arts Michelle Hiscavich also walked along the hallway looking at the student works. With all of the district elementary art shows complete, Ms Hiscavich said she was "very impressed" with the work the teachers and students accomplished this year. It is clear from the works exhibited, she said, that the elements and principles of design are being taught in Newtown's elementary classrooms.