CMS Students Show Their Colors Thursday, May 21, 2009 By Anne Ruuskanen [ArticleImageHyperLink] Advertising Tuesday, May 12 turned into more than just a musical experience with Cameron Middle School's annual Spring Fling concert. Singers showed their talents but were not alone as artists were also discovered by many.   CMS students go through art classes just as high schoolers, switching into another class every quarter. They make many creations, ranging from working with clay to painting with watercolors. Baskets are woven and action figures made from many different materials. These works of art are then shown at the end of the year, and becomes CMS' very own art show.   The art show is hosted by Art Teacher Mrs. Leaper in the CMS commons area. "Everything and anything is shown in this art show. The students make them during my class and then we save them until the end of the year so we can show them to everyone else," said Mrs. Leaper. Tables are set up to hold the many varieties of artwork from the students. Each piece is named by the creator and the artist's name is displayed as well. Some pieces were abstract, others realistic, and others even ranging in between the styles.   Classes in art are always fun and full of creativity, which is demonstrated by the work the students do. But some students still have different views on which particular piece of work was their favorite. Sixth grader Sydney Crabb says, "My favorite would probably have to be the color wheel because it was the most fun to make and really colorful."   Fifth grader Leah Burthed stated, "I would have to say my favorite was the fish because we got to make the whole thing out of construction paper." Parents are more than welcome to see what creativity lies within their children. Most works were shown in the commons while others were in the halls and by the art room itself. Some of the cases in the hallways held glass-like globes with different designs depending on what the student wanted. Others had animals made of clay, ranging from turtles to camels and horses. Ceramic vases and bowls were mixed with more baskets. Color wheels hung on the walls with self portraits drawn by the students according to a model from a picture they took of themselves.   Of course, the art show is also a great opportunity for the students. It allows them to be proud of their accomplishments and show their friends what they can do. "It's a chance for the students to showcase what they have done and worked on through the year. It can be a number of pieces from ceramics to paintings and collages," explained Mrs. Leeper. Students may be nervous to show their work with their names on them for others to see, so the art show allows them the chance for anonymous publicity if they prefer.   "I think other students like the show because they get to look at other people's art and get a look at what they'll be doing next year in art. The show itself is a good experience because you get to share your work," Mrs. Leeper added.   Leah also said, "The artshow is a good place for parents to see what their kids have done in class."   Artists of all kinds were discovered with the art put on display that night. Parents were able to see a new side of their kids and students received the recognition they deserved. It is clear to see that promising talents lies in wait within the middle school halls.

Back to the articles list