Children's Artwork on Show at Dougherty Elementary School

The artistic skills of hundreds of school children were translated into visual delights and proud young artists brought friends and family along to admire their handiwork.

Organizer Valerie Reeves said over 900 pieces were on show and represented a culmination of the artistic endeavors undertaken during the school year. Valerie is Co-Chair for Art in Action along with Zana Tam and they were assisted by parent volunteer Judy Fong. All three are docents for their respective children's classes.

Art in Action is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching children’s lives through art. Each lesson features history about an artist and a masterpiece. The students love to hear about the lives of the artist and their techniques. The inaugural Art Show was held at the school in 2016.

Valerie also said that being part of Art in Action has stimulated her own creativity and she is very eager to create a vibrant and interactive art display at the school that can be enjoyed by the Dougherty community all year round.

Children eagerly led their parents to areas displaying their artwork and posed proudly for photographs to mark the moment.

Students also participated in a chorus on the night and one parent commented on how moving it was to hear her child perform and reach all the high notes. She noted that in the busyness of the daily routine there often isn't time to pause and enjoy the stages of development that children go through and this event was a great way to do just that.

Judy Fong provided cut-outs on the stage area that were enjoyed by both children and parents as it allowed them to become part of a classic masterpiece and there were many broadly smiling Mona Lisa's.

“It has been very rewarding to be part of this program. I have literally gotten cheers from students when I walk into the classroom. They really look forward to the lesson and that makes me smile,” said Judy.

Thanks were extended to all the Art in Action docents and volunteers as the Art Show would not be possible without them.

Activity tables for coloring were also provided to keep the creative little fingers entertained at the event. Zana Tam hand drew each individual frame on the art table for the kids to create their masterpiece.

Dougherty parent Ruchi Sharma said " It's wonderful that the Art in Action team hosts an event like this as it gives children and teachers alike an opportunity to reflect on the creative journeys through the year and to appreciate the hard work and effort that has gone into producing the artworks. You can see the pride and delight on the children's faces as they view their creations and it's a lovely way to bring the community together."

There will be another opportunity in Dublin to view the artwork of young, specifically teen artists at the Tri-Valley Youth Expo art display to be in held in Emerald Glen Park on Saturday, May 19. This first Youth Expo for the region is being organized by Dublin High School.