Kutztown >> From a dancing giraffe to a “Trashin Fashion” dress made of recycled coffee products, students’ works of art were on full display at the Kutztown School Board meeting Sept. 15.
Superintendent Katherine Metrick said the Traveling Art Show is a tradition that has thrived at the district for more than 25 years.
Comprised of the best pieces of student artwork compiled at the end of each school year, selections are made throughout the district, with representatives from the elementary, middle and high school levels.
Examples selected from the 2013-14 year included to a majestically painted elk, a pastel cityscape, a portrait made by stippling (using dots to create an image), and a delicious-looking fruit basket, all on display in the high school library during the meeting.
Middle School Art Instructor Kris Tuerk introduced each piece of art, and if the student artist was present, they were called up to further describe their work. Metrick then gave each student a certificate along with a firm handshake and a huge smile of appreciation.
For Tuerk, putting students’ art on display is a crucial part of helping them develop.
“It provides ownership for the kids. They feel really good about themselves because their work is accepted,” Tuerk said in an interview with The Patriot.
The Traveling Art Show will place the selected pieces of student art on display throughout the community starting on Sept. 18 at the National Penn Bank, and ending on May 21 at Judge Gail Greth’s office. In all, the artwork will be displayed at 10 locations throughout Kutztown, Fleetwood, Topton and Reading. By putting students’ work on display, it not only promotes the arts, but promotes individual growth as well, she said.
“I want the kids to know that they have the ability to do whatever they want,” Tuerk said. “This is one of our ways of doing that for them.”
In other news, the board approved St. Luke’s Physician Group as the district’s physician for the next three school years through 2016-17. The move replaced the previously approved district physician motion to approve Dr. Fabian from Emmaus Avenue Family Practice.
In a continuation of a previous project, the boiler at Greenwich-Lenhartsville Elementary School required $500 of additional work to be completed, which the board approved. The board had previously approved Yoder’s Heating Service to fix the boiler at a cost not to exceed $1,600. However, Business Administrator/Board Treasurer David Miller reported that upon fixing the boiler, it was discovered that the insulating cement around the boiler was cracked and deteriorating, which requires additional funding.
In related facility news, Board Vice-President Randy Burch announced that the work on the floor tiles in the high school’s band room was completed. The $8,718 renovation project was approved at the July 21 board meeting, and completed despite the time crunch of the start of the school year.
The next board meeting will be a workshop meeting on Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Administration Building.