BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Cumberland Trace Elementary School Hosts Special Art Class Inspired by Dale Chihuly
This past week, students at Cumberland Trace Elementary had the unique opportunity to learn about the world-renowned glass-blowing artist Dale Chihuly during special art classes. The event was organized by Arts for All Kentucky, an initiative dedicated to providing inclusive art experiences for all children, no matter their abilities.
A Special Guest: Kim Soule
The students’ art class featured Kim Soule, an established artist with the Arts for All Kentucky program. Soule emphasized Chihuly’s impact worldwide, noting that students were particularly captivated by the artist’s distinct personal style, which includes an eye patch. “We talk about how that eye patch could qualify as a disability, and since Arts for All promotes inclusion, it’s an important lesson for the kids,” she stated.
Funding and Purpose
The events at Cumberland Trace Elementary were made possible through the Inclusion Award from Arts for All Kentucky. This program aims to extend opportunities in the arts to children with diverse abilities. Funded through the Kentucky Department of Education and the Kennedy Center for the Arts, the initiative employs various artists across Kentucky to engage students in different artistic disciplines, including music and dance.
Interested schools can apply for an artist visit through the Arts for All Kentucky website. Miss Kelton, Cumberland Trace’s art teacher, and Soule have collaborated on projects before and decided to write a grant specifically for this art project.
Student Participation and Creativity
When the grant was approved, Soule and the art teachers at the school began preparing for the project. Kelton shared a heartwarming story about one student who contributed significantly, “I had one child who brought in a backpack filled with 17 plastic bottles for our project. Many kids feel like they have a part in this whole endeavor.” This sense of involvement highlights the community spirit encouraged by the program.
Soule used other schools’ experiences to guide her as she designed a large chandelier art project inspired by Chihuly’s creations. “I found that some teachers made them using hula hoops and chicken wire, so that’s how we’re going to do it,” Soule explained.
Creating Colorful Art
After learning about Chihuly and his work, students were invited to unleash their creativity. They used plastic bottles and markers to create pieces that resembled blown glass. Third grader Rebekah Frazier enthusiastically commented, “We cut it out and colored it so it would look like real blown glass.”
A Future Display
The finished chandelier will eventually be displayed in the library of Cumberland Trace Elementary. Kelton expressed her excitement about the project, stating, “It’s going to be a wonderful thing in our library for everyone to enjoy, and that’s the most exciting part for me.”
This project not only teaches students about art but also instills a sense of community and inclusivity, reflecting the core values behind Arts for All Kentucky. The combination of creativity and collaboration promises to create a lasting impact not only on the students but on the broader school community as well.
For more information about Arts for All Kentucky and their mission to promote inclusive art programs, interested parties can visit their official website. The story of Dale Chihuly and his artistic journey can also be found online, giving further insight into his inspiring work.
