Public school art.
And the only reason Bossy is making that public school distinction is because Bossy knows many people who choose private school for reasons such as this: the limitless possibility for self-expression, and the available accessories such as kilns, looms, and easels.
All across the country, art programs have been cut from many public school budgets, so Bossy feels fortunate that her district keeps their program afloat thanks to things like donations of time and materials.
This is called trying to make due with much more of less.
It’s International Week at Bossy’s middle school, so Bossy’s daughter walked through the front door with this creation yesterday. It represents a mola design, which originated in Panama and consists of simplistic graphic images in bold colors over borders of other colors and other colors and other colors.
Which doesn’t stop it from reminding Bossy of similar work created in preschool.
Cathy says
April 1, 2009 at 8:35 amOur art teacher is retiring this year. She is amazing. A true artist herself who has a studio in Chicago. The things she manages to have the children create are amazing. Every year we have an art auction and poetry slam and some of the pieces the children paint go for over $200. Sadly, I’ve never won any of the auctions.
Art is such an important part of a child’s education I am really hoping that we are able to find another amazing art teacher.
Half Assed Kitchen says
April 1, 2009 at 10:01 amI feel the same way! And your daughter’s piece makes me want to get on the next jet to Hawaii.
Ms. Karen says
April 1, 2009 at 10:14 amWhat a great picture. Li’l Bossy is a multi-talented gal.
We’re dealing with cutbacks of all kinds in our state, too. Of course, the Arts are the first to feel the pinch.
jennifer says
April 1, 2009 at 10:17 amThat’s funny – my daughter is doing mola this month in art class too – I had to look it up (silly me) and they are using yarn in their projects. Thankfully we have art & music programs.
Kelly at The Glass Dragonfly says
April 1, 2009 at 11:01 amLovely. I think that keeping the arts in school is so very freaking important!
David says
April 1, 2009 at 11:23 amBravo to the school for keeping their arts programs alive. NYC public schools are facing six-figure budget cuts this year and next year – that’s individual cuts to school budgets – and consequently the arts are vanishing. From NYC. That should be a crime.
Little Miss Sunshine State says
April 1, 2009 at 11:37 amThat artwork made me smile.
Our kids went to a public high school with a great art department. Kids got on waiting lists in 9th grade, so they would be able to get in photography, ceramics and other art classes by the time they were seniors.
Jenn @ Juggling Life says
April 1, 2009 at 11:38 amI ran the art program for our school’s PARENT funded art program for years–all kids need the arts experience.
reen says
April 1, 2009 at 11:38 amIt’s beautiful! Schools without arts programs just make NO sense to me…what’s the point??
foolery says
April 1, 2009 at 12:43 pmI love that art! Your home is FILLED with talent.
Given the choice I’d still rather have them get top-notch math, GRAMMAR (yikes) and science instruction in school
BUT
one of the most important parts of my early life was band, and I will find a way to keep the arts in my daughters’ lives.
LeahBear says
April 1, 2009 at 1:32 pmiiiiii like it!
katie says
April 1, 2009 at 6:56 pmI REALLY like the sun on Bossy’s daughter’s picture! The colors go together so well! The circles are pleasingly shaped! It’s wonderful!
(can anyone tell I’m an elementary school teacher?)
Smalltown Mom says
April 1, 2009 at 10:04 pmI really want to rant here about how important art/music/drama/electives are, but since it’s not my blog I’ll just hold back and say…
nice artwork.