What started as a day in 1990 for students to take a break from their regular academics and focus on the arts, has since become an annual tradition at Hambright Elementary School.
The concept began when third-grade teacher Mrs. Rita Herr convinced then principal Mr. Don Stewart that the students should spend a day diving deeper into the arts.
Local professional artists were invited to come to the school for the morning to work directly with students. Some of the Hambright staff were included in the morning sessions and they got to work with the students to offer information and showcase their artistic talents.
Throughout the years, the morning format has remained the same as the original day, while the afternoon has evolved into an Artist Observation.
In the morning, students participated in two, one-hour sessions and took home their own works of art. The morning sessions offer a chance for the students to interact with a variety of artists while working on an activity led by the artist.
Some of the morning sessions include cookie and cupcake decorating, music production, pottery, drawing, mosaics, photography, and watercolor painting. This gives the students the opportunity to see where the arts can be represented in the real world.
Throughout the afternoon, students enjoyed two assemblies where they get to ask questions to the artists and witness firsthand how they create their forms of art.
Recently, the staff at Hambright incorporated a literature component for kindergarten, first, and second graders.
Fine Arts Day is a wonderful Hambright tradition the staff are proud to share with the students.
Thank you to the artists and Hambright’s third-grade teacher, Mrs. Smith for continuing this tradition!