“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”
— Elizabeth Andrew
Dear South Families,
Thank you for your incredible dedication and support of the Art in Action program this year! Whether you helped in the classroom, taught a lesson or a few, carefully framed student work, assisted in preparing for our grand finale — the biggest Art Show yet — or simply stopped by last Thursday to admire the beautiful student creations, you’ve made a lasting impact on our young artists.
This program continues to inspire creativity, connection, and joy in our students. We’re so lucky to be part of something so meaningful — together.
South Art in Action — By the Numbers:
-
90+ art lessons delivered
(55% by our Artist-in-Residence, Salena Paul; 5% by South teachers; 40% by parent volunteers) -
80+ parent volunteers
-
175+ volunteer sign-ups
-
925+ artworks displayed at the Art Show, including 240 ceramic pieces created by 242 students
For those who volunteered as AiA grade leads, docents, or assistants — we hope you received your special notebook, a beautiful handmade token of appreciation crafted by Andrea. If not, we trust your child delivered it home safely. All student artwork and clay projects were sent home this week.
You can view photos from the Art Show here — and if you have any to share, please upload them to the same folder!
For the past two years, thanks to the Fund-a-Need program, we’ve had the honor of having our incredible Artist-in-Residence, Salena Paul, helped lead and support our AiA program. From teaching a substantial portion of the classes, running and elevating our clay program, to designing a dedicated TK curriculum — Salena brought not only expertise but also heart. She connected beautifully with our children, nurturing their love for art while teaching valuable techniques. If you see her this week, please join us in thanking her for the joy and inspiration she brought to South. She will be truly missed.
As we begin planning for the future of Art in Action and what it may look like without a dedicated visual arts educator, we’d love to hear from you. If you have feedback about this year, ideas for what’s ahead — or if you'd like to get or stay involved — please fill out this form.
It truly takes a village, and we are so grateful to be part of one as generous, creative, and dedicated as this.
We’ll leave you with a short video from last week’s Art Show here.
With appreciation,
2024–2025 South Art in Action Team
Yasamin Murtadha
Nilopa Shah
Andrea Hawkley
