By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor
CRANBURY — Music drifted through the aisles of art where community members gaily perused colorful paintings, sculptures, drawings and collages.
The talents of every student in Cranbury School’s grades K-8 were on display during the annual Art Show on the evening of May 28. More than 1,000 pieces of artwork had been arranged with care throughout the gymnasium turned gallery for the evening.
This year, new art teacher Stacey Crannage came up with the idea to give art its own night at the school.
“This is the first year the show is in here,” Ms. Crannage said.
In prior years, student artwork was displayed throughout the school’s hallways for the art show, which always took place the same night as the spring concert.
“I wanted art to have its own event,” Ms. Crannage said.
She also wanted to create a special gallery space for the showcase, noting that the students’ artwork is displayed throughout the hallways during the course of the entire school year. She chose the two best pieces from each student to exhibit.
“I’m really proud of Ms. Crannage for creating this art gallery experience,” Chief School Administrator/Principal Susan Genco said.
Fifth-grader Justin Yang said, “I like it.”
Cranbury Mayor James Taylor, who attended the show with his family, said, “It’s wonderful.”
He said it’s important for students to express the talents they have.
Among the works presented were wind chimes created by sixth-graders, ceramic owls molded by second-graders, origami relief sculptures designed by fifth-graders and colored scrolls drawn in a valve study by seventh-graders.
Eighth-graders had to design a monster for the next Monsters Inc. movie and also learned about Indian culture and Hinduism while designing mandalas. Their mandalas were transferred onto tiles that were affixed to the school where they will remain permanently.
“The kids worked really hard all year and this is a great way to celebrate their artistic talents,” Ms. Genco said.
