CRESTVIEW — Antioch Elementary School's Okaloosa Volunteer Art Lessons program has an extra $3,000 following a silent auction Thursday.
Most artwork on display resulted from the OVAL program, which assists schools lacking an art teacher or curriculum. Volunteers teach monthly, 30-minute classes within Okaloosa County School District guidelines. Classes range from how to draw a portrait to learning about influential artists.
See 29 photos from the silent auction>>
"We try to do the different mediums of artwork, like doing paintings and using colored pencils or chalk," said Colleen Dewise, who will assist in leading OVAL next year.
Volunteers have to do their homework beforehand.
"We need to research each artist so we can share with the students on their grade level," said OVAL volunteer Carol Strom.
Students appreciate the effort.
"The kids get so excited … it is what they look forward to all day long," third-grade teacher Michelle Simmons said. "It's been a really good experience; the kids have learned a lot."
Fourth-graders displayed what they learned during the Geo Shapes fair, where they used geometric shapes to create artwork ranging from movie characters to landmarks like the White House or Jack Foster Stadium.
The lessons are important, parent Sasha Lipscomb said.
"They are using their minds and their hands," she said. "They have to figure out what works and what does not … by themselves."
Her son, Isaiah, 10, said creating art allows him to express himself.
"It's a way that people can express their feelings, whether they are sad, mad or happy," he said. "When I did my light house (art project), me and my mom did it together.
"That's why I put love into it … I love my family."
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Antioch art show raises $3K for volunteer-led art curriculum (PHOTOS)