Art alumna shares her talents at elementary school
KFYR-TV News Stories, 3/15/2011
Kristin Clouston
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When schools are forced to make cutbacks, one of the first things to go are elective courses, such as art. But fortunately in our state, teachers willing to take the time to write grants can still bring professionals into the classroom.
This week, students at Christ the King School (Mandan, N.D.) have a special guest courtesy of the North Council of the Arts. Jescia (Hoffman) Hopper (’09, art), spent a good part of the afternoon teaching first graders the basics of art. And though she appears to be a natural, this artist in residence says it is a new experience.
“I’ve never worked with anyone below 6th grade before, so working with young kids, I was a little nervous about it. But they`re just so excited to do art and just really attentive, fun to work with, so it`s going pretty well,” she explained.
After just two days, Hopper already seems at home with the kids. But there`s probably a good reason she fits in so well.
Teacher Denelle Scheerle said,”She`s actually an alumn(us) of Christ the King School. I was her teacher.”
Student Andreana Berger added, “She told us when she came in the room. I think it`s really cool that she came to Christ The King and so do I.”
Hopper said, “All my prior teachers say oh, you haven`t changed a bit, I don`t know, it`s kind of funny, I really haven`t grown, I guess, since the 8th grade.”
Hopper earned a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead and just went back to get her certification as an art teacher.
“I`m excited about it, and I think being an artist in residence is really good practice, giving me experience in the classroom,” said the artist.
She`s giving kids a new way to express themselves.
Andreana: “There`s no judgement.”
Kristin: “Can you explain that a little more?”
Andreana: “If somebody beside you doesn`t like your art and you do, it doesn`t matter what they think, it just matters what you think.”
Dominic Gardener added, “I just like her because she draws so cool, artist and thingies.”
Kristin: “Do you think she`s going to be a good teacher?”
Nods yes.
Hopper is doing projects with all the classes at Christ the King. The students will display their work next Tuesday at 7:00 pm. Scheerle wrote the grant and says many elementary teachers only get a semester of art training, so they appreciate having a professional artist come into the classroom.
The North Dakota Council on the Arts has grant information and a roster of artists on its web page. http://www.nd.gov/arts/index.html