December 1, 2008

G.I. Public Schools offering art workshop for elementary school students

Approximately 140 Grand Island Public Schools students in third through fifth grade will participate in art technique workshops Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Westridge Middle School.

Two half-day sessions are being offered, and this is the first year the school district has organized this workshop, said Sue Burch, director of technology and high ability learners for the Grand Island Public Schools. Six local artists will demonstrate art techniques using a variety of mediums at Westridge, 4111 W. 13th St.

Seven to 10 students from each of the district's 14 elementary schools were invited to attend. Targeted students include those who have demonstrated talents in drawing and use of other art media. Each student will complete a piece of artwork by the end of the workshop.

Local artists who will participate are Doug Jensen, Maura Hendrickson, Dorothy Uhrmacher, Janie McBride, Chris Wissing, and Hillary Emory.
Here is the schedule for each half-day workshop:

Morning Workshop:
8:10 a.m. to 10:25 a.m.: Students will participate in 30-minute sessions with each of four artists.
10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Artist Doug Jensen will give a presentation. He specializes in creating bronze sculptures of Doberman Pinschers. Jensen is an assistant principal at Grand Island Senior High School. His undergraduate and graduate school degrees include a bachelor's degree in art.

Afternoon Workshop:
11:50 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.: Artist Doug Jensen will give a presentation.
12:25 p.m. to 2:40 p.m.: Students will participate in 30-minute sessions with each of four artists.

For more information, contact:

*Sue Burch, Director of Technology and High Ability Learners, Grand Island Public Schools, (308) 385-5900, sburch@gips.org; Maura Hendrickson, Integration Specialist, Lincoln Elementary School, (308) 385-5924, mhendric@gips.org