To integrate art and their study of Texas history this year, Liberty Christian 4th grade students created in art class last semester paintings of Texas native plants as a part of the annual Texas Native Plant Art Exhibition.
Approximately 150 student paintings from participating schools including Liberty are on display at Denton’s Emily Fowler Central Library and the South Branch Library. Liberty students’ artwork is featured at Emily Fowler. On Saturday, April 18, the artwork will be on display at the Denton Redbud Festival.
An Appreciation Reception for students, teachers, and parents was held at Emily Fowler on March 24.
Congratulations to Emma Curtis’ painting that was chosen Best in Show at Liberty. First, second, and third place winners from each classroom were also chosen.
• In Mrs. Cook’s class, Emma Curtis won first, Samantha Garza won second, and Lauren Ullrich won third.
• In Mrs. Himel’s class, Sam DeWall won first, Amelia Wallis won second, and Mackenzie O’Rourke won third.
• In Mrs. Mahowald’s class, Gigi Marye won first, Chris Barcroft won second, and Gracie Monasmith won third.
• In Mrs. Newman’s class, Savanna Morris won first, Molly Monschke won second, and Cole Duininck won third.
• In Mrs. Otto’s class, Haley Hughes won first, Sydney Reardon won second, and Savannah Dunbar won third.
Award-winning pieces and additional ones from each class were featured during the exhibition.
Sponsors of the Native Plant Art Exhibition include the Trinity Forks Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas, the Elm Fork Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist, and Texas Woman’s University College of Arts and Sciences.
The purpose of the exhibition is to raise awareness and educate students about the importance of native plants and their role in conservation.
Guidelines for the paintings:
• Artwork should accurately depict a Texas native plant. The plant may be a flower, grass, shrub, vine, or tree.
• A Wildflowers of Texas poster and Native American Seed Catalog were provided to suggest plants for students to paint.
• The preferred medium for paintings was watercolor. Originality was encouraged so art teachers may vary the techniques used.
Judging criteria:
• Artwork was judged by members of the Trinity Forks Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas and volunteers of the Elm Fork Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist. Texas Woman’s University art students assisted.
• Paintings were evaluated mainly on the accurate portrayal of the plant depicted.
• The overall appearance of the painting including the use of color, space, balance, and creativity was considered.
• Every student participating will receive a certificate of accomplishment.
Liberty’s Lower School art teacher Ms. Charlotte Roland invited all of the fourth grade families to the exhibition and reception and congratulated all of her 4th grade art students.
Vivian Nichols is part of the public relations team at Liberty Christian School.
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