An evening of art at RES

The room was packed with those wanting to see the next Andy Warhol, Vincent van Gogh and Georgia O’Keeffe. After waiting for the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony, the art patrons filled the gallery.

March was Youth Art Month – the month that we celebrate our student artists. Ramstein Elementary School did just that.

***image1***March 27, the cafeteria and gym of the school were transformed into a beautiful art gallery for the evening for the first “Art Extravaganza.” Every kindergarten through second grade student had a work of art displayed in the setting that rivaled a big city art opening.

A red carpet was laid for the star artists, hors d’oeuvres were served, music filled the air and artists mingled while dressed their best. The event brought more than 1,000 students and community members together to celebrate the arts.

Ramstein Elementary School’s PTA funded the event. Art teachers, Michelle Ruksc and Jules Fritz, approached the PTA with a vision for an elegant evening of the arts to showcase their students’ work. The PTA enthusiastically obliged and, with the help of a steering committee of six people and various organizations around base, it became a reality. 

***image2***No need to travel to Paris, when a small taste of Monet’s Garden in Giverny was set up in a special section that highlighted kindergarteners’ work based on Monet’s paintings. Monet’s Japanese bridge was recreated with water lilies floating below. White lights added something magical to the space. And it truly was magical when little girls, dressed in party dresses, danced around the flowers to the music in the background.

Students beamed with pride as they showed their artwork to family and friends.  
“I like looking at all the other art,” Jordan Applegate, second-grader, said. 

It was an evening to remember. Many parents left knowing where their child’s art would end up in the house. And many more students left thinking that they might be the next big name in art.

It is entirely possible with the talent that was showcased that night!