The hallways and classrooms of Oak Hollow Elementary were transformed into a vibrant gallery as students and their families admired a wide array of artwork. The exhibits included sculptures, pop art, Native American-inspired creations, space-themed pieces, STEM-based designs, and French-style artwork, which reflected the school’s dual immersion curriculum. Patrons even had the chance to create their own crafts to take home.

“It was our first family art night and (it) was a huge success,” Principal Julie Mootz said. “Parents walked through the hallways like an art gallery. Mrs. (Megan) Wright and Mrs. (Sarah) Diederich, our art teachers, helped the students to learn about different artists, then try that artist’s technique. It was beautiful to see the school decorated with the students’ artwork. Art is such an important part of learning and we’re so lucky to have such great teachers.”

Diederich said the event was student-inspired.

“The kids love doing art, and they're always wanting to share it,” she said. “They've been working all year; they experimented with different kinds of art.”

As part of their lessons, students created miniature rugs to learn Navajo weaving techniques. They later used those skills to craft bowls representative of the Goshute tribe. They also incorporated symbols in their artwork inspired by Piute Indograms, representing personal meaning.

“We taught them about local tribes and how art symbolizes something,” Wright said. 

During the school year, students explored various artistic mediums, including textiles, markers, pencils, paint (including glow-in-the-dark), printmaking and sculpture. They also studied concepts such as abstraction and negative space.

Throughout their weekly 45-minute art rotations, Wright observed the 500 students were gaining more than just technical skills and learning about different artists and their styles.

“A lot of the kids learned to put more emphasis in their art and took their time finishing it. They learned to be patient with their art and appreciating it,” she said. “Some learned to use their imagination by closing your eyes and envisioning first what it could look like. As a result, the students surprised themselves on how well they did and how creative they are. I love they're so proud tonight of what they learned and have made.”

Third-grader Quinn Quigley explained to his father, Ross, how he used a Sharpie to decorate a bowl before it was shaped with a heat gun. His sister Ashlynn, a fourth grader, enjoyed the Native American-inspired weaving. Even their younger sibling, preschooler Nolan, was engaged, building a gumdrop sculpture in the STEM art classroom.

“It’s fun to see all the art they’re learning and incorporating into their studies and having an opportunity to be creative,” Ross Quigley said.

The Woolley children also shared their artwork with their family.

“The best part is seeing all the art, mine, and what all my friends did,” fifth-grader Emma said. “It’s a fun community event for everyone.” λ