May 20, 2024 – Bolton Elementary School families enjoyed a fun night of culture at the school last week for their Fourth Annual Arts Night.
For the past four years, Bolton’s staff have taken a night in the spring to welcome families through their doors and show off some of the work students have been doing in their art classes. The walls are lined from floor to ceiling with paintings and drawings that students just can’t wait to show off. Some students have previous experience exhibiting their work through district-wide events like the Spring Arts Extravaganza, but Bolton’s Arts Night is a guaranteed chance for every student in the school to shine.
“It brings them a lot of pride,” said Art Teacher Julia Tesh. “I really enjoy the way their faces light up when they get to show their parents what they’ve made… that’s the main reason that I do this.”
Each iteration of Arts Night has a different theme, and this year’s event was all about world cultures. As families roamed the halls to look at different pieces, they learned about artistic customs in different countries that influenced their children’s work. Music from countries around the world played in the halls, and Trader Joe’s even took part in the occasion by providing samples of international recipes for visitors to try.
“It gives them a chance to experience cultures they’ve never seen before, and it’s a good way to bring everyone together,” said Dan Antonelli from Trader Joe’s.
Additionally, visitors at Arts Night were able to peruse souvenirs made by local artisans and even make art of their own. One of the biggest attractions at the event was a collaborative painting, where everyone could add a small illustration to a large banner that would commemorate the evening. Second Grade Teacher Ashley Huber said it was a chance to allow for self-expression in a way that would also visually express the rich tapestry that is Bolton’s community.
“It shows the individuality of each of our kids, but it also shows who we are when we’re all together,” Huber said.
Principal Cheryl Frazier looks forward to Arts Night each year because of the way it brings students’ curriculum to life. They get to show off what they’ve learned in a neighborhood setting that helps everyone have a good time. Academics and success in the classroom are important, but Bolton also wants to make sure every student has a diverse array of opportunities that make it extra rewarding for them to go to school.
“We want our students to have experiences and opportunities that will make them well-rounded and that they might not be able to have anywhere else,” Frazier said. “Learning can take all kinds of different forms.”