Staff Writer
Students in School Union 122 recently had an opportunity to work with local artists as part an art enrichment program, which is funded in large part by federal funds for small schools.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
New Sweden artist Doug Anderson works with Brandon Whitmore, left, and Mollie Cummings, right, on an art project in Lori Knight-Phair’s classroom at the Woodland Elementary School. The project is part of the school’s Gifted and Talented program.
This year the students worked with Doug and Rita Anderson of New Sweden.
“As local artists, they bring a unique perspective to teach our students art skill and techniques that cover a broad range,” said Paul Swanson, the union’s curriculum director.
The school union is in its second year of an art enrichment program that is part of its Gifted and Talented programming. With a focus on including all students from pre-kindergarten through grade eight, Woodland and New Sweden schools are in the process of three art in-service programs this year.
Mediums used in the projects are grids, charcoal and clay.
Since the schools don’t have an actual art teacher, Woodland Principal Larry Worcester said the program supplements the art instruction the regular classroom teacher offers.
“The kids really look forward to it,” said Worcester.
The enrichment program is funded by the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP), sponsored by U.S. Sen. Susan Collins.
Swanson said that this program could potentially be lost if school district administrations were consolidated because of size of the district could change.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
Rita Anderson, a New Sweden artist, works with Danny Theriault, a student at the Woodland Elementary School, on his art project involving using a grid method to draw the picture. Anderson’s work is part of the school’s Gifted and Talented program.
Denis Dube, left, and Coty Doody use a grid method in creating a picture during an art class at Woodland Elementary School.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
Ricky Schmitt Jr., begins his art project at the Woodland Elementary School as part of a special art project involving the use of grids.
