Date: Fri 26-Mar-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: CURT

Quick Words:

Van-Go-school-art

Full Text:

Art On Wheels: Van-Go To Make A Local Stop

(with photos)

BY ANN MARIE COHEN

Van-Go, a museum on wheels, is coming to Newtown on March 30, 31 and April 1.

Four years ago, high school students from Carmel, N.Y., came up with the great

idea of converting a school bus into a traveling museum.

With the help of funding from Reader' Digest, the students put their idea to

work. The bus's exterior was painted by the students and the interior of the

bus was designed by the graphic arts department.

Eighteen different educational exhibits have been on display since its

inception. These exhibits have included two- and three-dimensional artwork,

photography, craft objects, antiques and collectibles.

The purpose of Van-Go has been to share students' work in the Putnam County

school district with other students and community groups. Members of the

community may also show their work on Van-Go.

The exhibit "rolling" into Newtown next week will feature Michael Garland,

nationally known artist and illustrator of children's books. Mr Garland has

written and illustrated six children's books. Oil paints were used on his

earlier illustrations, and later he used the computer to digitally design his

art. He is best known for his book A Mouse for Christmas. Garland's

illustrations should be of particular interest to high school students who

engage in computer generated art.

Carol Skolas, student assistant counselor at Newtown High School, working in

conjunction with the Danbury Hospital, was responsible for the coordinating

this event. The two school districts spring breaks did not coincide, and

because Newtown schools were in session, Carol was able to bring Van-Go to

Newtown High School. She would like to see something similar to this happening

in Newtown. "Our students are fabulously talented," she said.