Marcus Students Create Artwork to Show Teacher Appreciation
While studying Expressionism style art, students incorporated personal expression by making art for teachers to show their appreciation and thankfulness for their efforts to care, help and educate students. Marcus 9 art teacher Carrie Caldarera saw the project as an opportunity for students to create something meaningful and from the heart.
“Expressionism is artwork that expresses feelings and truly delves into the character of the artist,” Caldarera said. “Expressionism art is meant to come from within the artist, rather than from a depiction of the external visual world.”
Caldarera shared her goal for the project is for students to think about others and to reflect on all those they are fortunate to have in their lives. Students utilized clay to create a two-dimensional piece stamped and painted with words of gratefulness. The pieces were displayed during teacher lunches and then given to teachers as gifts.
Marcus ninth-grade student Riley Lapante enjoyed exploring the different art mediums. He hopes the pieces serve a constant reminder that students are thankful to have them.
“I liked playing with the clay and learning how to mold it,” Laplante said. “I think the teachers really liked it because not everyone really thinks about saying thank you. I hope it makes them feel good that the students took their time to say thanks. They help us all the time and are always there when we need them. I am glad we could do this.”
In addition, students wrote calligraphy letters of appreciation to a specific teacher of their choosing who has made a difference in their student life. For Marcus ninth-grader Hannah Klein, she immediately thought of Marcus 9 Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) teacher Emily Wallace.
“She was the first teacher that came to my mind,” Klein said. “She has taught me to be my own advocate and work hard. You can tell she really loves being a teacher. She is so enthusiastic and always encourages me to reach my full potential. I leave her classroom inspired to reach my dreams.”
Caldarera shared her ultimate desire is for students to continue putting their heart into whatever they are doing and understanding the importance of working with heart and mind.
“These students will be successful in the future they create because they will be able to come up with creative solutions by utilizing their heart and their mind to think outside the box,” Caldarera said.