By Matthew Sockol
Staff Writer
MILLSTONE – Primary school pupils and elementary school pupils in Millstone Township will have an opportunity to showcase their artistic talent on June 7.
From 5-7 p.m., the Millstone Township K-8 School District will present its first student art show at the Millstone Township Primary School, 18 Schoolhouse Road. Admission to the open house is free and everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy the students’ creative pieces of art.
According to art teacher Shannon Bell, the exhibit will feature artwork from every pupil from pre-kindergarten to grade five, with the exception of half-day kindergarten pupils, who do not have an art class.
All primary school pupils, pre-kindergarten through second grade, will have one piece of work displayed. Elementary school pupils, grades three through five, will showcase at least one piece of art. Drawing, painting, collage, printmaking and ceramic art will be featured.
“This is a celebration of the students’ hard work throughout the year,” Bell said. “Our students make some truly inspiring artwork, which I love looking at. This will allow the families and the community to see the scope and sequence of the art program in Millstone’s public schools, and it gives students a chance to appreciate their own hard work as well as the work of their peers.”
Bell is co-hosting the event with art teacher Daniel Locandro. Bell currently teaches art to all of the primary school pupils and to half of the elementary school pupils. Locandro teaches art to the other half of the elementary school pupils.
“I am so proud of the work my students do each day,” Bell said. “It is my goal to expose students to a variety of art techniques and media beginning at an early age. We touch on the elements of art and principles of design, and encourage a great deal of student creativity.
“Children’s artwork tends to be free and full of emotion, and I am so excited to showcase all their work as a collection. I also think this will be a wonderful celebration of our district’s dedication to and support of the arts. Art allows students to create visual connections with history, language arts, science and math, and the variety of artwork we will be hanging will show the incredible scope and sequence of our art curriculum,” the educator said.