When I was in elementary school, there was very little attention given to the subject of art.
In fact, there was more attention given to how to hide under your desk in order to survive a nuclear attack on George Washington Elementary School, which apparently was a strategic Soviet target during the Cold War.
But enough about international geopolitical tension.
I do remember third-grade projects on bees and ants, which required us to create the little bugs using only red, blue and green Crayolas.
Actually, my first real venture into art was an after-school TV show in which an art teacher (or maybe he was an actor who just played an art teacher) taught me how to create a crow out of a capital “A.” I can still draw one. In fact, for a while, it was my Facebook profile photo.
Even more impressive was a more advanced lesson on how to turn a cursive capital “S” into a kangaroo.
Despite my near “Master” designation among 8-year-old artists in Lynwood, I soon drifted away from art and into journalism, which is why I can write this column each week.
We’ve come a long way as far as art education is concerned. There may be no better proof than the work of local elementary students that can be seen at the Fountain Valley School District’s 16th annual District Art Show. This is a celebration of the visual and performing arts that will be held Tuesday, April 17.
The show is set for 4-7 p.m. at the district offices, 10055 Slater Ave.
The evening will feature displays of student art from the district’s 10 elementary schools and performances by the district’s middle-school music programs. Additionally, the event will include interactive art stations and a photo booth, and children will have an opportunity to decorate cookies.
Several food trucks will also be on hand, including Dogzilla, The Burnt Truck, Ninjas with Appetite and Haole Boys Shaved Ice.
David Truong of Mimi’s Jewelry here in town has offered students in the school district an opportunity to design a pendant. Awards will be handed out to the first-, second- and third-place winners, and the first-place winner’s design will be on display at the art show.
This event, presented by the Fountain Valley School District, the Fountain Valley Schools Foundation and the Superintendent Parent Council, is open to the public.
This is a popular family event and you won’t be disappointed. In fact, I think you’ll come away from the show impressed with the artistic and musical efforts of local students.
But just a heads-up: There doesn’t appear to be any capital “A” crow stations.