A Celebration of Art at Westgate

The Westgate Art Club recently wrapped up its 2014-2015 season with its 5th Annual Gallery Night at Westgate Elementary School in Arlington Heights. Student artists were joined by their families to view selected paintings that they had created throughout the year. The parent guest artists also attended the evening.

The club provides art experiences for students in grades one through five by encouraging creativity through engagement of artist volunteers, students, and parent volunteers. "Since I like art, it was a chance for me to learn and explore new things. I made all sorts of creative projects that I liked," said second grader Kiley Whalen.

For parents, the club supplements their child's art class experience. "It gives Alex the opportunity to learn about different artists and techniques and create art with different media than I might have on hand at home," said parent Lisa Lightcap, whose son Alex is in first grade.

There were five art projects this year. They included watercolor paintings of landscapes in the style of Dr. Seuss, led by David Kerkemeyer; cartoon-colored pencil illustrations based on B.J. Novak's book "The Book With No Pictures," led by Holly Connors and Clayton Kalweit; one-point perspective drawing using multiple mediums, led by Paul and Tracy Gerwen; oil pastels based on Pablo Picasso's artwork, led by John Zilewicz; and collage/acrylic painting using maps on canvas based on artwork of Rachel Ann Austin, led by Jen Nebel and Rita Molepske.

The Westgate Art Club is sponsored by the Westgate's PTA and coordinated by committee members Kathy Moran, Christine Naunheimer, and Lissa Wengronowitz. Nothing Bundt Cakes in Mount Prospect generously donated balloons and refreshments for the event.