Some might say it’s the perfect blend of passions of art and mentorship for Oakdale Junior High Art teacher Kim McCarthy.
In late April, McCarthy’s eighth grade classroom was transformed to a gallery of art work produced by close to 170 OJHS eighth grade students.
“They work all year on collecting a portfolio of work and then they select their favorites pieces to be in the show,” McCarthy said of the annual Art Show. The teacher added she collects work from throughout the year to display as well.
This year marks the fourth year of McCarthy’s students presenting their art for the art show.
Art displayed during the show included varying mediums as well as an interesting display of shoe art and a collection of totem poles.
According to the art teacher, the shoe exhibit was a result of a lesson where students learned how Nike designs shoes. They learned about entire process of shoe design and then designed their own shoe. Shoes used for the project could be brought from home or obtained from the teacher.
“They select an endangered animal,” she shared of the totem pole projects. “They research that endangered animal. Then they work together in groups of two or three and then they construct an animal. Then they work in a larger group and put all the endangered animals together.”
Lastly, students write a paper about the endangered animals and what can be done to protect them.
While the display of student art work thrills McCarthy, she was equally excited by the attendance, sharing all but a small handful of students attended with their parents or a family member.
“The pride that they actually feel when they actually have their parents there is really cool,” the teacher said. “Their parents do want to show up. They want to be there. I think kids get the idea that we’re too busy and we don’t want to be there, but I think that’s (the) farthest thing from the truth.”
McCarthy further shared she feels it’s important for parents to see the students work and support them. She also enjoys taking the time to speak with each parent during the Art Show and sharing with them what she enjoys about their student.
“My classes are completely full. It’s great,” she said. “The more kids that can have an experience in the art room the better.”
With maxed classes, McCarthy shared what she enjoys most about teaching the students is the transition and confidence that happens during their time in class. The teacher shared many first join the class lacking self-esteem and a knowledge of what’s to come.
“Then fast forward seven or eight months later and they are producing beautiful pieces of work,” she said.
“The most challenging part is getting the students to believe they can do it if they try,” she continued. “Anyone can learn to do art. A lot of people think oh I can’t I’m not an artist. When the truth of it is we’re all artists, we just have to come back (to that) spot of being that artist again.”
