BIDDEFORD — A flying pterodactyl, a giant African doll made up of hundreds of smaller hand-crafted dolls and a large paper maché sculpture depicting some of Maine’s native animals are just a few of the artistic masterpieces crafted by Biddeford students that are adorning the halls of the Biddeford Middle School for the next few days.
On Wednesday, an opening reception of the school district’s second art show was attended by hundreds of people including students, parents, teachers and city dignitaries such as Mayor Joanne Twomey, Superintendent of Schools Sarah-Jane Poli as well as many members of the both the City Council and the School Committee.
BMS Principal Charles Lomonte said he was “thrilled” to host the student art show for the second time; the first show was held two years ago.
The show is important, he said, because “it demonstrates the talent and the energy of our students. Their hopes, their wishes, their dreams, all that gets poured out into their art.”
In addition to large art pieces there were photographs, drawings, paintings, pottery pieces, paper-maché sculptures, a community loom project and more.
Students from every grade level kindergarten through 12, more than 1,500 youth, were represented in the art show, said Lomonte.
Casey Houle, who is a third grade student at Biddeford Primary School, was one of the artists who contributed to the giant African doll that is the first piece greeting visitors to the school.
Houle said he likes art and enjoyed contributing to the doll.
Mackenzee LeBlanc, a first grade student at BPS, also contributed to the doll and her drawing of a cat was also on exhibit. She had fun creating her art works, said LeBlanc, and she loves taking art classes at school.
At Wednesday night’s opening ceremony, Mayor Twomey said to the students, “I’m here to celebrate your art.”
The art show, she said, “is about children, it’s about community.”
Art is an important academic subject in Biddeford Schools, said Superintendent Poli. It is taught not only as a separate subject but also integrated into other courses.
In addition to the works of art, several of the school district’s musical bands performed in various areas of the middle school.
Approximately 2,500 people are expected to visit the art show, which runs through Friday, said Lomonte.
The public can visit the free art showing located at the Biddeford Middle School at 25 Tiger Drive, off Hill Street, until 6:30 p.m. this evening and from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
