PetConnect Rescue Art Show

The PetConnect Rescue fundraiser proved to be a successful collaboration between 1^st and 4^th graders this year as the “Art for the Pets" service-learning project has rasied over $900 with more donations coming in with the doghouse still open for bidding!

As a non-profit organization, PetConnect Rescue saves animals from kill shelters and places the animals in foster homes until forever homes are found. The atmosphere was energized as children showed their friends and families their artworks and contributions to the project during the opening. “Children naturally have a special relationship with animals and are excited each year to be a part of this project,” said Art Teacher Loriann Signori.

 

For the “Art for Pets” project, the 1^st graders created pet portraits of animals up for adoption. They studied artists such as Albrecht Durer and Andy Warhol to guide them in their compositions. First, the young artists created sketches from photos of animals provided by PetConnect. Once the sketches were complete, the 1^st graders transferred their creations to toned board and carefully painted their final vision with acrylic paints. The students used a variety of artistic techniques in their work such as repetition, layering, texturizing and perspective. Through this process, 1^st graders saw multiple ways a pet portrait can come alive with creative expression.

 

Working with Art Teacher Mario Argueta, 4^th graders used their woodworking skills to build a doghouse for the project. As they assembled the house the students took great care and consideration for its lucky inhabitant. Shortly before the show, the 4^th graders put their final touches on the house by painting their handprints on the outside. As he observed the students through the project, Mario notes that, “they realized they weren’t the only ones in the world… and can help the animals with what they can create.”

 

Loriann recounts, “Only one child wanted to make the money for himself but his peers told him he is doing so much more. Then he realized ‘I am saving animals.’ ”