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Bringing the visual arts to the students for their appreciation and enjoyment is a vital part of the educational process that is uniquely Crockett.
A tribute to an old friend….
As the glass walls and fire doors are installed in the lobby hallways, a new era of increased security and safety for our students is ushered in. But with the newness comes a good-bye to an old friend: Celebration Gallery and Inner Gallery. These art galleries were established for the enjoyment and education of students of all ages. It is not possible to have public access in an open environment (necessary for our artists) with our recent installation, but eight years has been a successful run.
For a partial listing of our past artists, you may visit http://www.wcs.edu/ces/ArtistGalleries/crockett_art_galleries.htm . Thanks to Cathy Furtick, wonderful webmaster, who established this site and has maintained it for several years. A compliment to our well behaved students who respected the galleries and allowed no harm to come to the works of our guests.
I hope you and your students have learned a little from the Channel 9 monthly television shows explaining the art pieces (Thank you so much Mark Madison!) and have had the opportunity in person to enjoy the likes of weaving, quilts, rug hooking compositions, pottery, African and Asian masks, stained glass, silk painting, dinosaur reliefs, photography, chalk and oil pastels, watercolor pencils, felt, graphite drawings, jewelry masterpieces, assemblages, as well as watercolors, oils, and acrylics on such surfaces as panel, canvas, paper of all types, metal, and wood. Artists have ranged in age from two year old Benjamin Best (grandson of noted Dan Shelton of the Factory) to the lovely and talented June Carlson, an eternal beauty of the Harlindale Farm Group. Nashville elephants have displayed their abstract paintings twice in the gallery. A recent immigrant from Romania found his way to our gallery sharing history of his life under communism. The president of the Atlanta portrait society painted one of our principal’s portraits in an assembly with that year’s fifth graders as the art of portrait painting was explained. The galleries have also been the home of two art events raising money for our school: Masterworks and Celebration Showcase.
Artists share a piece of their soul and heart as well as their talent when they showcase their works-something not found in mass produced posters and pictures. With original art, you can almost touch the dew on a rose, feel the softness of the puppy, see the personality of an individual in a portrait or photograph, share the excitement of the motorcycle circle with Donald Murphee’s works, tingle with a little bit of heaven in the angels of Pam Tyson, be proud of our Nashville skyline with the WCES backdrop news painting (a talented mechanic at a local car lot), and be inspired to take a little more time to view the beauty that surrounds us daily.
Please visit our local art galleries to see the rich tapestry of Tennessee’s artists. Make an art gallery, large or small, a part of your out of town trips, and remember that most universities house a fabulous art gallery.
As art reflects the history and values of our culture and society, it is ironic that culture and history have now caused us to say farewell. I won’t ‘rage against the dying of the night’ but choose to celebrate the light that was. Thank you for the honor of serving you and your students.
Trish Walker, art curator
Crockett Elementary School was established in 1990 with bare gray walls everywhere. The school was very busy taking care of immediate needs and wasn’t ready to think beyond that at that point. Student art was hung here and there but there was nothing visual to welcome viewers to the vibrant school that Crockett was becoming.
Mr. Tony Lamar Burks II arrived as the new principal in 1999 school with many visions. His youth, his intelligence, his desire to improve things, and his creativity turned the faculty and staff into a whole league of “dreammakers.” He was out to make dreams come true. Our current leader, Mr. Chris Nugent, is also excited with his support of the visual arts. He shares the news of Crockett’s galleries when he attends various seminars and meetings. His enthusiasm and publicity help keep the galleries “alive”!
Trish Walker, educational assistant and artist, dreamed with Mr. Burks about an art gallery to house professional artists for limited time periods. With the financial backing of David McGowan, noted builder and parent of students at Crockett, this dream took feet. With drills, hammers, nails, and wood, the paneling was installed and the hardware prepared for artwork by these three workers in the lobby area outside the office.
Celebration Gallery was established and a plague was mounted to celebrate its birth. The gallery kicked off with an art show, Artextravaganza, that spring with five renowned artists’ showings one evening. The funds from this event and from the next year’s show were wonderful, but the reputation as a fine arts avenue was invaluable.
The Inner Gallery (hallway between the office and PTO workroom) was established two years after Celebration Gallery to house overflow artists. Photographs, quilts, hand made rugs, pottery, masks, stained glass, oils, watercolors, acrylics, fiber art, and more types of art have been featured. Channel 9 has filmed “Crockett Art with Mrs. Trish” the last two years, articles have been written about featured artists in the backpack express, and newspaper articles on the art and artists have appeared.
It is with much hard work and much pride that the gallery has survived. Students, parents, visitors, and faculty delight in the arrival of artwork each month. It is a unique feature that allows Crockett pioneers to enjoy the finer things in life.
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