Elementary students at the Wayne D. Boshears Center recently participated in creating art for the PTA Art Reflections contest. This year’s theme, “I Belong!”, guided the creative process, with a focus on giving students the opportunity to make choices, interact with different mediums, and explore their own artistic ideas.
Students used a variety of processes tailored to their interests and preferences. Some selected colors and tools to create paintings, experimenting with contrasts, vibrant hues, and expressive strokes. One student explored the sensory experience of painting by squeezing paint-filled balloons onto a canvas on the floor, creating a lively explosion of color using hands and feet.
Another student used a switch-activated arm to pour paint onto a spinning canvas, fascinated by the motion and carefully controlling the flow of paint. One student placed his canvas on his favorite drum, pouring paint while drumming to create a dynamic piece full of movement and fiery colors. Another used switches to operate a spinner with attached paintbrushes and a bubble machine filled with paint, blending technology and creativity to design a colorful, interactive artwork.
Throughout the activity, students observed and appreciated each other’s processes, recognizing the unique styles, color choices, and creative focus of their peers. The project highlighted the joy of experimentation, self-expression, and collaboration, reflecting the spirit of inclusion celebrated in this year’s contest theme.