By Stephanie Johns
Staff Writer

Morgan County Primary School hosted its third annual art show recently. Art teacher Leslie Ryals facilitated the event.
“Each year has been very successful,” she shared, adding that money raised benefits the art program. “I use the money to furnish supplies/materials for my students.”
They raised $1,422 the day of the art show and an additional $54 through late sales. 
A total of 749 pieces of artwork were framed and 237 were sold that Thursday afternoon.
“I thought the show went very well,” she shared. “I had a fabulous turnout, and I could not have made this happen without the assistance of my parent volunteers through the MCPS PTO.”
Ryals praised her students for their work, noting that most students are “delighted” to be in art class and are “excited to try something new.”
“My students are wonderful!” she shared. “I am a very blessed art teacher.”  
Ryals explained that the Kindergarteners’ artwork was based on a reading of the book Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by author Eric Litwin and illustrator James Dean. Those students used tempera cakes to create their images of the cat.
First graders created collages inspired by Romare Bearden using tempera paint and each student’s initial, which was then covered with hand-torn magazine pieces.
Second graders created golden leaves and autumn colors applied with sponges for a printmaking project.
“Each student also titled his own work, which makes each piece even more unique,” she shared.
She added that she scheduled the show last year and estimated that they have been working on this show for about two months.
“We started working on the art in mid-September, and I should receive post show orders after Thanksgiving,” she explained.
Artomé out of Alpharetta worked with Ryals on the event. Ryals said the company frames the art, sets it up, and breaks it down.
“This fundraiser is an excellent way to display student artwork, involve the community, and raise money for my program all at the same time,” she shared.

Printed in the November 22, 2012 edition