Last week, District 54 celebrated National Arts in Education Week. The arts hold a special place in our schools, and this week was a wonderful reminder of how creativity fosters imagination, critical thinking and self-expression in our students. By exploring different art forms and techniques, students learned to view the world through a new lens and express their unique ideas. We spotlighted some incredible artwork happening across District 54, and we’re excited to share their creative journeys.
Armstrong Elementary’s Sixth-Grade Radial Art Inspired by Teuta Podvorica
We started the week with the sixth-graders at Armstrong Elementary School, where students embarked on an exciting art project inspired by artist Teuta Podvorica. Guided by their art teacher, Kelly Sall, they began by tearing up their previous paintings into strips, mixing them together, and creating stunning radial designs. While they initially worked on the backgrounds, these pieces were destined to transform into abstract close-ups of cats, dogs, birds, and lizards.
Blackwell Elementary’s “Zentangle” Animal Silhouettes
Next, we featured the sixth-graders at Blackwell Elementary School, where they explored the art of “zentangles.” Under the guidance of art teacher Laura Kardys, students filled their canvases with intricate patterns of dots, lines, curves and orbs to create dynamic backgrounds. They then selected a range of animals and bugs—from capybaras and giraffes to snow bunnies and axolotls—and began drawing silhouette outlines.
Fairview Elementary’s Heather Galler-Inspired Wildflower Vase Art
Third-graders at Fairview Elementary School took part in a colorful journey of their own with wildflower vase art inspired by Heather Galler. Starting with simple black-and-white outlines, the students transformed their pieces into vibrant displays of color. With the talented guidance of art teacher Bridget Whalen, they were set to add even more patterns and colors to their backgrounds in the following week.
Aldrin Elementary’s First-Grade Flower Line Art
Artistic expression starts early! First graders at Aldrin Elementary School channeled their creativity with beautiful flower line designs guided by Ms. Martin. After learning about the different parts of a flower, the students followed step-by-step instructions to create bold floral outlines. Next up, they added vibrant watercolor paints to truly bring their flowers to life!
District 54 Early Learning Center’s Watercolor Leaves
It might not have felt like fall outside, but our Early Learning Center Sprouts were already in the autumn spirit! They took part in a fun and imaginative project by creating watercolor leaves to add to their classroom tree. Each leaf turned out beautifully unique, just like the students themselves.
Dirksen Elementary’s Abstract Cartoon Characters
We wrapped up our Arts in Education Week celebration by highlighting sixth-graders at Dirksen Elementary School, who brought their favorite cartoon characters to life in abstract form. Art teacher Becky Demos led this Ryan Jester-inspired cut paper project for the third year in a row, and it was once again a hit with the students! Using bold shapes and vibrant colors, they crafted interpretations of cartoon characters that might leave you guessing who’s who. Ms. Demos provided wonderful support and guidance as students got hands-on with this unique art form.
National Arts in Education Week was a powerful reminder of how the arts bring color, creativity, and joy to our students’ educational journeys. By participating in these diverse art projects, students felt empowered to express themselves, explore new ideas, and connect with one another. We look forward to seeing even more incredible artwork throughout the school year!
*Visit District 54 on Facebook and Instagram for photos of each art class visit.
