OLHMS showcases student artwork

By Kelly White

Students in the Oak Lawn community proudly showcased their artists talents last month.

More than 100 Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School students, in the sixth- through eighth-grade, took part in the Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 Art Show on April 28 that celebrated students’ creative accomplishments and artistic talents.

“When I went to the art show and saw everyone admiring the art, I felt appreciated,” Julia Niton, 13, of Oak Lawn, said. “I never thought of myself as the best artist but being chosen for the art show definitely made me feel better about myself.”

Students created their artwork during their daily art class throughout the scheduled trimester. Media such as pencil, crayon, marker, colored pencils, watercolor paint, craft cord, and construction paper were used. Art concepts and techniques seen in the artwork include symmetry, drawing, collage, weaving, mixed media, value scales, watercolor painting, and more.

Projects focused on an Element of Art and/or Principle of Design, an art movement, or the style/work of a particular artist.

“The part I most liked about being in the art show was to be able to show off the art skills that I learned in class,” Patrycja Potenta, 14, of Oak Lawn, said. “When I first began my project, I thought it would be impossible for me to do. After learning the process and taking it step by step, I was impressed with myself and content with my work.”

Patrycja, along with several other students, received an invitation that notified them that a piece of their artwork was chosen to be in the art show. Because this was an exhibition and not a juried show, students were awarded the honor of their artwork being included in the show.

“Their bright smiles show how excited they were to have earned this honor,” Mara Petraitis, OLHMS Art teacher, said.

Petraitis said she enjoyed having the opportunity to display her students’ artwork in an exhibition-type forum.

“Seeing all of the work together gives the effect of an actual art gallery,” Petraitis said. “Students benefited by taking pride in their artwork that is part of a public display. I think it helps to encourage students to continue their art education as they go to high school and maybe even make it a hobby at home. It also shows them that trying something new and putting effort into their work can pay off.”

During the exhibit, students and their families had the opportunity to mingle and leisurely browse the artwork on display and meet the artists.

Students said to be very happy to have had this opportunity.

“My favorite part of being in the art show is seeing something that I’ve made that shows I have talent, or creativity, for art,” Devin Fidler, 13, of Hometown, said. “Seeing others around me look at my art piece and show interest in it is amazing.”

“I liked the recognition I got for my artwork and seeing my teachers recognize what I did and say how they liked it, because it was different and something they don’t see every day,” Noemi Castillo, 13, of Oak Lawn, said.