Teacher: Wendi K Oster

School: Platte Valley Middle School

Website: https://ms.pvre7.org

Address: 700 Hill Street, Kersey, CO 80644

Grade Level: 6-8th Visual Art

Region: Northeast

Project Title: Expression & Exploration

Category: Music, Journalism and the Arts

Funding Amount Requested: $2,000

Project Description:
I teach middle-level art at Platte Valley Middle School, located in the small rural town of Kersey, CO. My goal is to provide my students with quality materials and opportunities to explore their creativity through a choice-based studio. I would like to invite local artists to conduct one-day studio workshops with my students, giving them the chance to experience the creative process firsthand and understand what drives professional artists in their careers. The funds will be used to purchase supplies for these workshops and provide thank-you gifts for the participating artists. With a large portion of our students on the free and reduced lunch program, this would be an enriching opportunity to broaden their perspectives by bringing a little of the outside world into our classroom.

Photos:
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3

Impact:
This project will expose students to different media and creative processes that we currently do not have access to, as well as provide insights into the business side of being an artist. By learning from guest artists, students will better understand art as a viable career, observe the creative process in action, and gain an appreciation for different perspectives. The workshops will provide hands-on access to new techniques and media, allowing students to grow in their creative journey and foster a sense of pride and purpose in their community.

Use of Funds:
Guest Artist: Melissa Calderon
- Area of Expertise: Needle Felting and Floral Design
- Supplies: Flowers, vases, ribbons, etc. $450
- Appreciation Gift: $50

Guest Artist: Armando Silva
- Area of Expertise: Muralist and Screen Printing
- Supplies: Exterior paint, shirts, screens, ink $450
- Appreciation Gift: $50

Guest Artist: David Dougherty
- Area of Expertise: Photography
- Supplies: Disposable or digital cameras and printing costs $450
- Appreciation Gift: $50

Guest Artist: Clark Ellis
- Area of Expertise: Collage and Mixed Media Design
- Supplies: Recycled and found objects from thrift stores, wood for base, and tools to attach $450
- Appreciation Gift: $50