Upland Heights Art Teacher Cristy Jeter organizes the event each year. Last year, because of COVID, they were unable to have the show, so Jeter explained that this year it was more important than ever.
Jeter hired the company Artome to take pieces selected from all of her art students and professionally frame them so that parents and families could purchase them while at the Art Show.
“The kids get so hyped to show their families what they’ve created,” Jeter said. “Often times, they are surprised at themselves once they see their art professionally framed and displayed - 787 pieces of artwork were displayed in one room is definitely a sight to see! That is why I encourage them to come to the show even if they don’t plan on purchasing their work.”
Jeter said that there were pieces of art displayed from each grade level, and some were very impressive!
“Kindergarten made the most colorful and cute giraffes- they were a hit,” Jeter said. “First grade got to read the book “Ferdinand” and created their own Ferdinand, complete with a background of flowers made with paint sticks. Second grade recreated an oil pastel version of the book cover ‘Chengdu Could Not Would Not Sleep.’ That panda was a difficult drawing, but they did awesome! Third grade made their own version of ‘The Great Wave’ by Japanese artist Hokusai, and they are all so different and beautiful! Fourth grade channeled their inner Wayne Thiebaud and created bright gumball machines. They were so creative with their color choices and they really ‘popped!’ Fifth grade did one of my favorites. We talked about perspective and texture, then they created an abstract fall tree with metallic golds and bronze as well as various fall paint colors. Watercolor was used for their sky and oil pastels for the trunks. These look really sharp in their frames.”
Jeter said that a ton of planning and work went into the show.
“I scheduled this show last spring, so I knew we would need to get to work pretty quickly once this school year started,” Jeter said. “I gave my artists a chance to get used to my class and teaching style, then we got going! My kindergarteners were rock stars with their directed drawings, oil pastels, and painting. Third grade put in the most hours with their project using oil pastels, watercolor with salt, acrylic paint, and tempera paint for what took almost 5 class periods to complete.”
Jeter said she was so excited that the show was able to happen in person this year, and that her students couldn’t wait to show off their work.
“This show is something that was sorely missed last year,” Jeter said. “The funds earned are so helpful in my classroom. I love being able to purchase many different supplies and mediums for my kids to experience. The best part of my job is seeing tangible evidence of personalities and creativity through art. I can teach the same lesson to every student in a grade level, but they all turn out so different!”