An Art Extravaganza at RES

Who knows, the next Pablo Picasso or Georgia O’Keeffe may have been in the crowd? After waiting for the big ribbon cutting, hundreds of people flooded the Ramstein Elementary School gym and cafeteria to find out. 

On March 24, Ramstein Elementary School held its third Art Extravaganza. Three years ago, art teachers Michelle Ruksc and Jules Fritz wanted a way to present students’ art that showcased their talent, but also made them know just how special they are. With the help of the RES PTA, the Art Extravaganza was born! This year, the gym and cafeteria were transformed into an elegant art gallery, because nothing less would do for these star artists.  Every child in the school, kindergarten through second grade, had at least one work of art on display. And with more than 900 students, this was not an easy feat to pull off.

The PTA and parent volunteers worked for weeks beforehand to get work ready to be hung. On the day of the show, community volunteers stepped up to help hang the art around the area.  The Art Extravaganza has become a “dress your best” event, complete with hor d’oeuvres, music and the feel of a big city art opening. We unfurled the red carpet for our star artists, decorated with hundreds of flowers and balloons and set tables with white tablecloths that displayed student art. It was estimated that more than 1,000 students, parents and community members came to celebrate and share the art of our students.

Students were so excited to share their art with friends and family in this setting. Little girls dressed in party dresses twirled and posed in front of their art. The young men, in ties and coats, showed off their latest creation. It was an evening to remember. Students, filled with pride, left smiling and excited thinking they could be the next big name in the art world. It was entirely possible with the talent and enthusiasm that was seen that night!