Published: October 23, 2008 12:35 am      

KEN-TON SCHOOLS: Students showcase their creative talents

Students from each Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda school put their artistic works on display Wednesday night, showing how the district’s art program evolves through the grade levels.

Superintendent Mark Mondanaro said he had the tough job of picking the top picture from each school, and all of the works were displayed side by side for collective viewing. School Board Trustee Jill Robbins-Jabine is in her second year on the school board and said observing the cross-section of art is one of the things that emphasizes the district’s dedication to the fine arts.

“You see this outstanding evolution of work,” Robbins-Jabine said. “Through all the artists, from the youngest to the oldest, you see the progression.”

Lou Reuter said he has often applauded the district’s music programs, and in much the same way the fine arts help students develop into well-rounded individuals.

“As far as I’m concerned, we talk about culture, and culture deals with the fine arts,” Reuter said. “One can be pretty good in terms of book subjects, but the arts give our students a degree of refinement as they develop a greater understanding of beauty through art.”

Mondanaro noted that while other districts are cutting back on the arts to emphasize math and language classes, Ken-Ton schools are working to increase their programs. Robbins-Jabine said the district’s holistic approach actually strengthens math and science skills.

“We understand that the arts, whether vocal, performing or fine arts, all increase one’s ability to learn,” Robbins-Jabine said. “They tap into areas of the brain and allow things to grow and strengthen.”

Kenmore West senior Kate Calleri took top honors for her photograph of Niagara Falls. Lisa Parks, her teacher, said the work was part of Calleri’s independent study project in surrealism.

Calleri said she has always loved the Falls, but tried to turn it into something abstract while still leaving it recognizable. She hopes to pursue her love of both photography and journalism, which she sees as linked.

“It’s all about the truth, and they’re different ways of portraying that,” Calleri said.

Diane Schaefer teaches art at Holmes Elementary and said that art isn’t something that’s cordoned off within a single class.

“We don’t teach art as a compartmentalized subject,” Schaefer said. “Art is connected to life, every subject and every discipline.”

Schaefer said some children enter the schools’ programs unable to properly hold a pencil, scissors or a paint brush. Lindbergh Elementary’s Lavina Kindani said she sees the effect of Ken-Ton’s programs most pronounced with children who transfer from other schools.

“There’s a big difference in their art literacy from when they first come to us than in two years with us,” Kindani said.

The district’s job is to create strong independent thinkers, and art is a perfect outlet for teaching students that they can take what teachers give them and use it to build something entirely new, said School Board President Melissa Brinson.

“We’re trying to create students who aren’t just spitting back what we’re giving them,” Brinson said. “These teachers are giving something to a child that they can use in all aspects of life.”

Contact reporter Daniel Pye at 693-1000, ext. 158.