Talent comes in all shapes and sizes at Brookfield's School Art Show, which opened May 4 at the Town Municipal Center.  From the youngest students to the graduating seniors, the artists presented work that was unique and engaging.  Pieces created by students in every grade were on display, showing the progression of skills and a long term nurturing of talent and art appreciation.

Upon entering the show at the official opening, crowds of visitors were greeted by live music, fed cheese, crackers and punch and welcomed to wander the halls of the building to view the paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs and ceramics on display.

In addition to the main show held at the Municipal Center, smaller art shows were also held at Huckleberry Hill Elementary School (HHES) and Center Elementary School (CES) in order to display all student work for parents and the community to enjoy.

Even the youngest students had an opportunity to participate. Led by Fine Arts Teacher Lisa Fearon, Kindergarten and first grade students began their projects by carefully observing creatures around them, noticing the shapes, and recreating what they saw on paper. They finished up by adding an environment and color to bring their creation to life.

CES student artwork can be seen on the first floor of the Municipal Center and on the display boards outside of the classrooms at CES.

HHES students explored sculpting with various materials, as seen in their "Chairs" and  "Figures"  sculptures, on display in the upstairs gallery at the Municipal Center and at HHES. They also created painted masks and contemporary pieces focusing on lines and contrasting color.

In middle school, students are taught specific technical skills while experimenting with different mediums. According to the Whisconier Middle School (WMS) website, the art program focuses on developing "genuine art skills rather than on the completion of many minor art projects.  Craftsmanship and quality are stressed."  

For example, fifth graders are taught the proper use of tempera paint, crayon and pencil and are instructed in perspective drawing, graphic enlargement and color mixing. Related art history is explored and recreated, such as cave painting and primitive Egyptian art. See the photo Mixed Media Artifact Painting for a sample of a finished project.

See the district website for a grade by grade outline of the art program at WMS.

Brookfield High School (BHS) offers a diverse fine arts program, including photography, ceramics and AP Art History, in addition to technical classes in painting and drawing techniques. Student work fills the main lobbies at the Art Show, upstairs and down, and ranges from watercolor to mixed media to ceramics to portrait painting.

To see an overview of the Fine Arts offerings at BHS, or to browse more art work created by BHS students, check out the Digital Art Gallery at the district website.