Bragg Creek students celebrated the arts during a day full of creative exploration.
Students took a break from their normal routine to participate in a wide variety of arts-themed workshops during Banded Peak School’s second annual Fine Arts Day on Jan. 24.
Local and regional artists taught kindergarten to Grade 8 students how to drum, dance, act, take photographs and create art in 24 different sessions.
Parent Carrie Dunning, a member of the Banded Peak Fine Arts Committee, said participating in the sessions gave students the chance to have an artistic awakening.
“There’s nothing better than having the opportunity to shine at something you have just discovered and finding a talent that you didn’t even know you had,” said Dunning.
Banded Peak Grade 8 student Erin Delfs, 13, said she enjoyed the entire day.
“Everything was so awesome and all the activities were great,” said Delfs. “It was all so creative and it freed the mind.”
Banded Peak School principal Deborah McLaren said this event was also a way for the school to form mutually beneficial partnerships between community artisans, local businesses and parent volunteers.
“Today was really about everyone coming together and how fortunate our students are to live in this community,” said McLaren. “This is an art-rich community and there are many talented people out here who are willing to share their craft.”
Rocky View School Division trustee Helen Clease and Chestermere-Rocky View MLA Bruce McAllister came out to support the school and students.
“Today was a fantastic day,” said Clease. “It was a perfect example of 21st century learning and community engagement.”
Clease said the arts are an important part of a student’s education and the success of the event proved fine arts should never be considered an extracurricular activity.
“The fine arts need to be funded properly in Rocky View schools,” said Clease.
McClaren said she appreciated the support of the participating artists who volunteered their time to teach students throughout the day.
Local and regional merchants, parents and teachers donated money and supplies for the workshops as well.
A fine arts silent auction, where parents and artists donated art items, and then displayed them in the school’s student gathering area also raised funds for the program.
McLaren’s future plans for the event go beyond hosting a Fine Arts Day annually, and she said she hopes artists will come to the school throughout the year to teach students.
“I am looking forward to strengthening those connections with the community,” she said.
Delfs will graduate this year and said she will miss participating in next year’s Fine Arts Day.
“I wish I could be here another year to do this again.”
