‘Art In Dimension’

By Larissa Lytwyn

At least 500 pieces made by kindergarten through fourth grade students were displayed at Head O’ Meadow School’s annual art exhibit June 9, this year themed “Art in Dimension.”

“The level of difficulty of each grade project was based on the developmental capacity of each class,” said art instructor Donna Perugini, who has organized the school’s longstanding exhibit since she began teaching at Head O’ Meadow three years ago. “Each year, [the students] just amaze me,” she said.

Each project served as an applicable part of the school’s study of artistic dimension. The pieces, many inspired by M.C. Esher and Georges Pierre Seurat, were made “in any dimension,” said Ms Perugini. Others emphasized distinct cultures, such as the fourth grade’s construction of an Egyptian temple and one fourth grade class’s creation of Chinese New Year lanterns. A second grade class made Native American-style lanterns.

Before doing the projects, Ms Perugini explained, each class studied the culture the piece was originally from and made “storyboards” through which they planned their designs. Head O’ Meadow’s three kindergarten classes infused a nature theme in their projects –– cone-shaped birds, flower stabiles, and clay bird nests. The kindergarten is unique because it does not have its own art program. Ms Perugini, however, teaches them outside of class.

 The first grade produced a mix of different projects, from Seurat-style pointillism and clay pots to necklace making, turtle sculptures, and standing self-portraits mainly made with construction paper. The third grade’s projects, tin foil repousse teacups and teapots, Alexander Calder-inspired wire face sculptures, clay bug bowls, and winter silhouette trioramas were all three-dimensional.

“I know the kids had a wonderful time with this project,” Ms Perugini. “I’m sure the parents will be proud.”