Arts meets Martial Arts at Dougherty Elementary School Inaugural Student Art Show and Festival

Dougherty Elementary School held its first Student Art Show and Festival yesterday in a display celebrating the numerous talents and achievements of the students ranging from arts to martial arts.

Mr Brett Nelson, the principal at Dougherty, noted that the accomplishments of his students both at school and during their extramural activities is what contributes to Dougherty being a California Gold Ribbon school.

Part of the festivities included a demonstration by a group of Dougherty students who are attending the Kuk Sool Won of Dublin martial arts school. The traditional Korean martial arts school currently holds the title of Pacific Coast champions for 2016.

“This demonstration was a first for most of these students and they did a great job” said Chief Instructor of Kuk Sool Won of Dublin, Master Seyd Saidi “and I would like to thank the PFC and the Principal for allowing them to showcase their skills.”

Additional acts were the band, chorus and dance group who entertained the crowd. The Art Show and Festival coincided with the annual Open House where parents had the opportunity to do classroom visits and view their children’s work over the school year.

The Parent Faculty Club, PFC, supports the activities of Dougherty thanks to donations from the community and provided funds for the Art in Action program headed by Rachael Guinther. The colorful display of student art work is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all those involved. Docents volunteered for many hours throughout the year to assist the students in producing the wide range of pieces.

"Art in Action is an engaging visual arts program which exposes students the works of van Gogh, Renoir, and Warhol (just to name a few) followed by hands on projects involving watercolors, oil pastels, and clay. It has been a very rich experience here at Dougherty, it fostered creativity, enhanced parent participation, and was well received by teachers and staff. The Art Show was a huge success, showcasing the masterpieces created by all of the students at Dougherty Elementary School, we're looking forward to bringing the program back next year!" said Rachael.

The combination of events garnered enthusiastic responses from those who attended and provided an opportunity for the extended community to come together and celebrate the many facets of the learning journeys of their children.