Creativity in the Middle School

Fair Grove Middle School Art Club meets in Mrs. Sandy Gilpin’s room (Room 5) on Wednesday’s after school until 4:15. Gilpin said, ¨Middle School art club meets on Wednesdays after school until 4:15 and is open to students in 5th-8th grade.”

They work on holiday decorations for the middle school hallways, middle school play props, and individual projects. Mrs. Gilpin commented, ¨We create art projects using a variety of mediums and materials.¨ It’s a group collaboration to help the Middle School theater department, and to theme the hallways for holidays. Gilpin plans on doing community work as well as work around the school. For Christmas she is hoping to get the students involved in making 3D snowflakes to hang from the ceiling in the local nursing home.

Just like other clubs, it is a place for students to find other people interested in the same things they are. Gilpin added, ¨Art club is a great opportunity for kids to use their creativity while socializing with their peers who are interested in the arts.” Not only is it a way for students to connect with others and make friends, it’s a way for Sandy to create bonds with her students. Mrs. Gilpin notes, “I love this too because it gives me a chance to connect with students in a way I can’t do in class.”

Art club doesn’t follow a set curriculum or guide. It encourages students to be creative with their own ideas without being worried about grades. Mrs. Gilpin stated, “Rather than following a curriculum and state standards we get to experiment with different art forms.” They can use anything from pencils and paper, to clay and paint.