This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
(Written by Gennah Penalosa)
On Thursday, March 15th, at 5:00 p.m., the Twin Peaks Charter Academy’s Annual Art Show, hosted by secondary art teacher Linda Goldman, opened its doors to its guests. All around were the creations of high-achieving students, from detailed pencil art to colorful works of clay.
As a way to recognize the accomplishments of students at Twin Peaks, the art show gave the school a chance to appreciate the effort and dedication that many students put forth into the learning of art.
“I am very proud of what my students are doing,” says Mrs. Goldman. “I love watching them grow, from semester to semester, or from year to year. I love having them multiple years, so that I can really see their growth and have them start a project or start a painting skill, and let them follow through semester after semester, and then build on that previous work that they’ve done.” Mrs. Goldman teaches a variety of art classes for both middle school and high school students, and creations by students were taken from each class to be put on display.
Not only can art be an indicator of creativity and skill, its academic benefits can also extend to other subjects as well. Mrs. Goldman suggests: “I really think art is very important and appropriate, especially in an academic prep school like ours. It helps with critical thinking and problem solving, as well as allowing students to think in a different way.”
The school’s annual spring band and choir concert were also taking place the same night, as an approach to honor all three aspects of the fine arts program at Twin Peaks. Goldman states, “What I especially love about having an art show is being able to see the accumulation of successful work. This accumulation of work represents all the perseverance and risk taking employed by my students. I also love that this art show is combined with band and choir. We have a great arts program at our school.”
“Creativity takes courage,” as quoted by artist Henri Matisse. Because of the motivation that the school and its staff have provided to their students, the work of many has proven that it usually takes courage to earn success. Every student has the potential to accomplish big things in the future; and it all starts with a little inspiration.
