Hambright Elementary students and staff enjoyed Fine Arts Day – what many call “the best day of the year” – on April 26.
This year’s daylong celebration of the arts was even more special because it marked the 30th year for the event, which was established in 1990 to give students and staff a creative break from the regular school schedule.
Fine Arts Day 2019 included painting, storytelling, carving, ballet, mosaics, photography, sculpture, quilting, cookie decorating, drumming and dancing – from Irish, Japanese and African to ballroom and hip-hop.
Local artists, entertainers and performers shared their talents with students, who moved to different activities throughout the school to maximize their exposure to the arts.
Students created mosaic necklaces, origami birds, soap carvings, pour paintings, clay sculptures and quilts. They also tried out drumming, acting, storytelling, and, of course, dancing.
The original Fine Arts Day was the brainchild of the Hambright PTO, under the leadership of then-president Dottie Zug, according to Don Stewart, who was principal at the time.
The event allowed all students, including those who may not have excelled at traditional school subjects, to shine by showing their artistic talents, Stewart said.
“I am so pleased to know that a program that was started 30 years ago is still valued by the parents and teachers,” said Stewart, who went on to serve as Penn Manor superintendent until his retirement in 2009.
“Fine Arts Day could never had been a reality without the generous contributions from some very caring and talented artisans.”
Many thanks to the more than 100 artists and countless parent volunteers who have helped make this special day possible for the past 30 years!