Published: March 13, 2006 09:57 am            

WeBo students teach youth art class

DOVER — Art programs at many schools across Indiana are being cut, but students at Western Boone High School are working to guarantee younger students get a chance for a hands-on art experience.

Students from Thorntown Elementary had the chance to create five art projects Saturday as part of the Community Youth Art program, which was created by Western Boone High School students.

Terri McMasters, art teacher at Western Boone High School, said the program started three years ago when the high school students recognized the importance of art education.

“They care a lot about their art, and they care about the little kids,” she said.

The CYA program is funded by a grant from Youth as Resources, and McMasters said the students are responsible for writing the grant and presenting it to the committee.

“The kids do all the work. I’m just here to supervise,” she said.

WeBo student Stephanie Clouser said a student committee worked for several months to draft the grant, and students were also responsible for determining what art projects the younger students would create.

McMasters said the students get to create five projects during the CYA program: A painted sweatshirt, scratchboards, watercolor paintings, a painted mug and clay pouch pots.

The program shows the students that art projects are easy, and something they can do at home, McMasters said.

Cody Burdine, 11, said he liked all the projects, but he enjoyed the clay the most.

“The clay is my favorite part,” he said. “I liked playing with it.”

McMasters said the CYA program has become very popular in its three years.

The program drew 45 students from Thorntown Elementary on Saturday, and as many students from Wells Elementary the previous Saturday, she said.

It has become so popular that it had to be limited to just fifth- and sixth-grade students this year, she said. In previous years, the program was also open to fourth-grade students.

She said March is youth art month, and the program is presented as part of a program to make students more aware of art.

As part of youth art month, WeBo students will also set up and create art in the lobbies of the elementary schools during the week of March 20, McMasters said.

“It’s a chance for kids to see artists work, and for my kids to work in a more professional way,” she said.

        

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