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Maize Elementary Featured in Art Exhibition
February 16, 2023 -- What do impressionist artists like Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, M.C. Escher, and Georges Seurat have in common? They have all made an impression on the students at Maize Elementary!
As a team, the Mustang student body created impressionist-inspired artworks that are now on display for public viewing.
On the first Saturday of the month, third grader Cora Auerbach, and her parents and little brother Joey (second grader), took a field trip to the Short North and Roaming Goat Coffee Company.
The siblings’ faces beamed as they pulled open the doors to the coffee shop and saw their artwork decorating the walls. The 18-piece collection impressed viewers of all ages. Some visitors even left with their coffee in one hand and a hand-painted Maize mini-coaster in the other.
“It is really cool that other people get to see what I made in my school,” said Cora Auerbach as she was handed flowers from Christie Gianni, the school’s family ambassador. “I love sharing my ideas with other people.”
Gianni works to bridge the gap between families and their students’ schools. As a local artist, she teamed up with art teacher Mona Glenn to create a unique experience for the students.
“I wanted them to see that there was an opportunity with art,” said Gianni. “It’s more than a class. It’s an outlet in so many ways.”
Faculty at the school continue to encounter the mental and social-emotional effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that took place nearly three years ago. “The students have a lot of hard things at home and they do hard work here at school,” said Gianni.
Gianni and Glenn share that many students deal with non-academic barriers outside the classroom. The art project allows them to immerse themselves in their work.
The result left an impression of its own. In addition, a community member purchased her artwork during the opening weekend of the art exhibition.
While attending Glenn’s art class, the students learn the art as a form of therapy, finding their education more relevant, rigorous, and rewarding.
“Having a creative mind will help them think outside of the box with any field and any career,” said Gianni.
For Glenn, she believes this teaching serves as a way for the students to navigate their emotions.
“Sometimes art is the only thing that brings them out of their shells,” said Glenn.
The art teacher of 25 years hopes her students walk away from the exhibition feeling empowered. “I want their parents to see that their art is more,” she continues, “that it’s more than just another piece of art. That people are coming in and seeing value.”
Gianni, Glenn, and their students are ecstatic to share their work with the community through this art exhibition.
“I’m so proud of what this school has the opportunity to show,” said Gianni. “Every student is special in their own way and we need to celebrate them.”
The 18-piece collection is on display throughout February. Each piece of the collection is available for purchase. Proceeds and donations contribute to funding school events.
“The idea of seeing that their work is worthy of purchase is exciting to any age, but especially on impressionable young minds,” said Gianni.