Students Involvement Helped Make Art Show A Success At Fraser-Woods

By Eliza Hallabeck

Six of eight artists involved in the first art show of the school year at Fraser-Woods Montessori School were present at the opening reception for the show, “A Picture’s Worth A Thousand Words,” on Friday, October 10.

“It was good,” said Fraser-Woods art teacher Christine Mitchell. “I think the thing people seemed to enjoy most besides the array of artwork, was how involved the middle schoolers were.”

Ten middle school students volunteered on Friday to show visitors to the art show around, said Ms Mitchell. There are about 30 students attending Fraser-Woods who are middle school age.

After the popularity of a year inspired by artwork last year, Ms Mitchell said 30 students are now attending an after school club called Gallery Club. Through this club, students learn how to put on an art show, from choosing the work to be displayed to how to curate the show.

“They are taking much more ownership this year,” said Ms Mitchell. During Friday’s opening reception, Ms Mitchell said a few pieces of work was sold by the artists.

Two Newtown residents had artwork in the show. Joan Pollack, who had eight pieces on display, said she would be encouraging other artists to show their work at Fraser-Woods.

“It is a gorgeous space,” said Ms Pollack. “I think it is a great place to show art.”

Ms Pollack also said that everyone involved in the running the show was fun to work with. Fellow resident Karen Pinto, who also participated in the event, sold a few pieces of work.

“I think the art teacher’s idea of using the art to inspire the students is a great one,” Ms Pinto said.

Other artists exhibiting work at the school are Elizabeth Bullis-Wiese, Jodi Carlson, Judy Corrigan, Linda Dohanos, Adam Kaplan, and Gus Moran.

The work will be on display at the school through November 27.

The next art show at Fraser-Woods will be in the winter, and will be called, “The Great Outdoors,” according to Ms Mitchell. The show will be up from January 4 until February 26. The opening reception for that show will be held January 15 from 6:30 until 8:30 pm.