| Jacob Hillmann at Conneaut Elementary works on his “environmental sculpture” that will be part of a display at Simpson Park. (Photo: J.D. Pooley/Sentinel-Tribune) |
Youngsters have been learning that art takes many shapes – including those made by twigs and willow
branches.
Bowling Green Schools’ fourth-grade art classes have been diligently working on an environmental art
piece for assembly at the city’s Simpson Garden Park, on Wintergarden Road.
Students had to build a four-sided cube using sticks and string, then weave narrow willow branches
over-under through the sticks making up the cube’s walls.
Conneaut Elementary art teacher Cindy Marso compared the project to who pioneers wove baskets.
Some of her students were making headway on their project, while others found it a bit more challenging.
"It’s very hard because the sticks keep on breaking," said young Cailyn Overhulse, echoing
earlier comments from classmate Kayla Schrader on how difficult the work was.
"You don’t have to complete one side," advised Marso as she guided students, encouraging them
to "not give up on this. You can do this."
Zach Applegate was doing so well weaving his willow branches that his tablemates were asking him for
help.
"I don’t know how Zach does it," said Nick Jackson from across the table.
The students had to collect their own foot-long sticks for the project, but another teacher furnished the
willow. During their weekly art class, they continued to work on a cube that, deliberately, might not
have been the one they had the previous week.
"You all share nature," Marso told her class.
Despite the difficulty of the task, "I think it’s cool that it’s going to be at Simpson Park,"
said Schrader.
It might not be the easier task, "but when they get done they’re going to love it," Marso
stated.
Chris Gajewicz, natural resources coordinator for Bowling Green Parks and Recreation, had approached
Marso and asked if students could finish an "ephemeral" environmental structure for the park.
Fourth-grade art classes at Bowling Green’s four other elementaries also are contributing to the project,
by making a bamboo fence and clay "apples" to hang from the fence. The cubes made by Conneaut
students will be placed on a pole with the hope they will twirl during gusts of wind.
The project also ties in with students’ science lessons. "They’re learning about trees and different
types of nature," explained Marso.
The exhibit won’t be a permanent display, and is meant to decompose over time.
Conneaut’s fourth-graders will walk to Simpson Park Friday to install their artwork; fourth-grade
students from Crim, Ridge, Kenwood and Milton are invited to stop by the park Sept. 26 from 9 to 11 a.m.
to contribute their work.
A reception is scheduled for Sept. 27, 2 to 4 p.m., for students, parents and the public to view the
finished piece.
