A School That Celebrates the Arts

We want to do more than just show and tell!

By: Melissa Duffy, Perimeter School Art Teacher and Arts Festival chair emeritus

“Quick! Tell me what you love about the Arts Festival,” I said. And my seventh grade students responded …

“I LOVE the Arts Festival! My favorite was … (a variety of past Arts Festivals were named) …”

“It’s a fun, creative time!”

“It’s an educational experience and a fun, colorful way to learn.”

“I’ve been to other festivals where you only look at an artist’s work. You get to make art at ours.”.

“It’s a festival and a costume party combined!”

God’s World, Art, and Creativity

Our intent in starting the Arts Festival was to engage our students in the various aspects of the arts, including famous artwork, music (both vocal and orchestral), architecture, literature, costumes, crafts, and even culinary arts.  

We wanted to do more than just show and tell!

We felt that our students would learn more if they experienced the arts for themselves, to see how art is everywhere. When experiences are wrapped around the creativity shown to us by God, it is more than a winning day … it is a celebration!

AMERICANA

It is a delight for our students, teachers, plus a host of parent volunteers to experience the arts as it relates to the theme we choose for each year. Since we rarely repeat a theme, I am confident that each person will have an enjoyable and educational experience as they learn and have fun.  

And after 30 years of past festivals and thinking of those that are to come, our goal is being accomplished! This year’s theme, Americana, will be a new, exciting experience for all of us. 

a school that celebrates the arts

As a final thought, I am so grateful for our parent volunteers. Approximately 200 of these brave people (many with no art background) will show up to make this day possible.

Not too long ago I was with a group of educators who were bemoaning the lack of parent involvement at their schools. The facilitator asked for a show of hands of people who were satisfied with parent support. In a group of about 100 educators, I was the only one with my hand in the air.

There, I had the honor to brag on Perimeter School … a school that celebrates the arts!