DOLORES – When the student council at Dolores Elementary School learned about the devastation caused by the California wildfires, they became determined to do anything they could to help.
Working in conjunction with DES art teacher Angie Lowe, the students generated the idea of turning their annual Winter Art Show into a fundraiser, with proceeds from the sale of their artwork going toward the American Red Cross.
It’s an effort that hits home for a lot of the students, according to Lowe, and so the students jumped at the opportunity to make a difference. ‘
“We have some students who have family who live in California – some that have been evacuated – and other students whose parents are wildland firefighters, so the connections have been very personal,” said Lowe, “plus we live in an area that’s prone to wildfires, so the students know that something like this could happen in our community.”
Student council reporter Olivia Stanley reflected Lowe’s thoughts on how close to home this felt. “I could be in that situation sometime – and I know for me, just knowing that people were trying to help would make me feel a lot better,” said Stanley.
The Winter Art Show is set for Thursday, Jan. 30 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., with artwork displayed throughout the hallways of DES. Community members are encouraged to attend and support the student council’s goal of raising over $500 toward the relief efforts.
The DES students considered not only the physical devastation, but also the emotional toll for those who lost homes. “They probably didn’t have time to get the stuff out that they really care about,” shared student council president Isabella Maez.
Vice president Karsynn Stiegelmeyer added, “I want to make sure that they have a place to stay.”
It’s a disaster that has already seen an upswell in support from Four Corners area firefighters, so the DES students are excited to add to the positive impact.
While the art show had been planned for a while, according to Lowe, the addition of the fundraising efforts became a priority as the student council evaluated ways they could make an impact.
On top of the fundraising efforts, the students take pride in their artistic efforts and are excited to showcase their works to the community. Using a variety of media, including paint, collage, printmaking, weaving, and sculpture, Lowe looks to celebrate student creativity. The DES students used their knowledge of classical artists like Van Gogh and Cezanne to create their own masterpieces.
DES student Brealyn Mortimer shared that she would feel her artwork was appreciated and important to be in hanging in someone else’s home.
The DES student council will be providing refreshments on the evening of the show, and attendees can enter into through the main elementary entrance on 12th and Hillside. Additional questions about the event can be directed to Angie Lowe at alowe@dolores.k12.co.us.
