Students Display Art Work at Mackinac Island Library
By Leslie Rott

Eighth grader Jane Finkel displays her self-portrait, drawn from a digital photo of herself.

Student art work went on display at the Mackinac Island Public Library Wednesday, May 10, the culmination of this year's lessons in drawing and painting.

For one hour a week, kindergarten through twelfth graders were taught the fundamentals of drawing lines, shapes, light and shadow, color, and of critiquing both their own and others' work.

"My goal is to give them all the basic skills of drawing," said art teacher Pam Finkel. "You can do almost the same thing with all age groups."

The students were taught mainly representational art, which centers on real world objects, and they were given free rein to dabble with color.

"I don't think I am scarring them with my love of color," she said.

"In the end, the artist is the artist and they do it how they want to," Mrs. Finkel said, describing how she embraced the talents of each of her students.

"I think drawing and art gives kids a lot of self-confidence when they can do it," Mrs. Finkel said. She added that every line and mark comes out for a reason, and that embracing the individuality of the artist is the key to engaging students in creative expression.

Art work was created in a variety of mediums, including water color, marker, colored pencil, and chalk and oil pastel.

Parents were impressed with the breadth of work that their students had created.

Students at the reception begged Mrs. Finkel to involve them in more art classes, during the summer or after school, which showed how much they enjoyed having the opportunity to be creative under her direction.

"I think the kids really enjoy being able to come in and see their work on display," said Librarian Anne St. Onge. The display at the public library, she added, shows visitors that the Island really does have an excellent school.

The student art will be displayed in the library through the Lilac Festival.