Orchard School's A Night at the Museum

Orchard Elementary School was transformed Friday night into the Orchard Museum Art, the OMA, in a multi-exhibit extravaganza of fine art, nothing short of wildly impressive.

Every student at Orchard, from kindergarten to fifth grade, had a piece on display, and further, children from each class presented, in very inspired live performances, their poetry, songs, and musical talents.

The night, successfully organized by art teacher Judy Malhotra, culminated with local arts educator, and owner of Glen Rock's Porch Light Theatre, Ryan Pifher's interpretation of Romeo and Juliet, acted out by the elder students. This Ridgewood production of "Shakespeare in the Round," played under the oncoming dusk, had the feel of something like romance and Central Park, or a brilliantly achieved sleepaway-camp play where all age groups, in an intimate playhouse, laugh and cheer for their brethren as the actors so passionately, so carefully, execute their childlike wit.

"Fall in love!" the children cried anxiously about the impending romance, "Ew!" It was truly a great moment had by kids and parents alike.

To begin, the visitors walked the halls, or galleries, to discover the pieces for themselves. Malhotra's inspiration for the themed art came from school trips to museums, specific artists, and the students and teachers themselves, such as the sole documentary featured at the Orchard Independent Film Festival, titled A Day at the Met.

"The kids are so diverse," said Orchard's Home and School Association President Gwen Sullivan. "Here, they can gain self-confidence by make something that is their own."

It's much more than self-confidence these children seem to be gaining, but, too, an important appreciation for culture, history, art and the world.

"Art is a way we can look into our past, present and future, and study the ways around us," student Olivia Columbus said. From the kindergarteners' Matisse-inspired fishbowl paintings to the fourth graders' self-portraits, all was beautiful and well done—and never ceased to amaze.

In the library, quiet and fantastic, smiling children read light-hearted poetry while others showcased their skill for violin and piano. Student Ella Feiner's piano waltz had many somehow magically touched by its warmness—the notes singularly ringing with an adolescent optimism. The children encouraged one another after each performance, and none proved too shy at all.

"I want them all to feel that they are artists, which they are. I want them to feel like they can absolutely do anything," Malhotra said. "Having a show on this scale… really helps them to see that it's limitless."

Fourth-grader Nelson Calderon is just one of the proofs of that.

"When you feel an emotion, you can show it through the art," he said about his work. This ambitious child plans to be an artist for a long time.

The night was financed through a Ridgewood Education Foundation grant allowing for the students treesals (tree easels) so they could create outside, and couldn't achieve its success without teacher involvement and a great turnout from parents.

What made the night a success, according to parent Andrea Stier, was simply because it was a "celebration of all our children's work." A celebration, and a success, it was, no doubt.