By Ainsley Hall
HEDGESVILLE — Back Creek Valley Elementary School hosted an art show on Monday, where students displayed their art from throughout the school year.
Suzan Halling has been teaching at Back Creek Valley Elementary School for 20 years. As the art teacher, she believes it’s important to create opportunities for the students to share their work.
For several years, she has helped organize this event for the kids, so families could come out and show their support.
“I think it’s generally expected for an art teacher to put together something like this,” Halling said. “It’s an opportunity to share their work. The community here is always so supportive, which makes it so much fun for the kids.”
Halling took the artwork from all her students throughout the school year and hung it up throughout the school. She put the students’ names on a separate piece of paper next to each of the pieces and made it feel like a real art gallery. Families could then walk around the hallways and see all the amazing work the students did.
“Part of being an artist is being able to share your work,” Halling said. “It’s a great opportunity for students. It’s nice to recognize them for their hard work.”
The event was a big success, with many families coming out to see the kids’ work. The Back Creek Valley Elementary School Parent Teacher Association (PTA) also helped with the event. Members of the PTA set up a popcorn machine and gave popcorn to families as a fun snack before looking at the art.
Halling shared that she loves her job and is passionate about what she does. She has been doing art ever since she was little, so being able to combine her love for art and her passion for working with students makes this position the perfect fit for her.
“I’m passionate about teaching art, because I get to share two of my favorite things in the world,” Halling said. “Those things are my students and art.”
Back Creek Valley Elementary School hopes to continue this tradition and use it to bring the community together.