The Wonderful, Colorful World of Art

By Claudia Koch, Staff Writer

CHARLOTTE COURT HOUSE – The most colorful place in Charlotte Court House right now, although the spring-blooming trees are glorious, is the art exhibit at the The Scoop.

Some weeks ago, Shep Critzer, director of the Gifted and Talented program in Charlotte County Schools, approached Mrs. Diana Thorpe about teaching an art class for the students. Mrs. Thorpe, acclaimed local water colorist, expanded on the seed of the idea and began teaching fourth and fifth grade students much more than just drawing a still life. At the conclusion of their instruction, there were depictions of geometrics, ocean waves, collages, etchings, shattering glass, storybook cats and a performer on stage.

Beginning with the lives of famous artists through the ages, DaVinci, Rembrandt, O’Keefe and Picasso, and the varied techniques they used, Mrs. Thorpe taught the students not only how to put their visions on paper, but how to create their pictures using many and varied objects. The students learned to make their own tempura paint using raw egg yolks, and ventured into abstracts using little bits of many things to assemble a tactile “painting” including shells, buttons, ribbon, charms, lace, beads, and even shark teeth. Many of the odd objects were donated to the class.

Last Saturday morning, Moms and Dads and students crowded around the exhibit to show off their work. Catherine Battle, Nick Gallion, Jailynn Teems, Rhetta Rose, Raegan Russell, Gracelin Lokker, Guest Hennings, Delaney Jones, Summer Jones, Rayah Eddson and Sydney Hileman were the proud artists.

When asked about the class, Jailynn said this was her first art class, and she liked it very well. “It wasn’t too complicated,” she related.

Fifth grader Catherine Battle told of attending classes at Longwood University last summer, studying art and theatre, saying she likes art best.

There were hugs all around as the gathering broke up. Mrs. Thorpe will be teaching another seven-week session beginning April 7th.

The families want to thank Stephen Walker at The Scoop for the space to show off their work and Mrs. Nancy Jefferson at Village Antiques for springing for an ice cream treat.

The exhibit will be in place through March 25th.