Sippican Elementary School Holds Successful “Arts in Action” Show

MARION — Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Marla Sirois are pleased to share that Sippican Elementary School students participated in this year’s “Arts in Action” show. 

The art show was held on Thursday, April 13, and featured artwork created by students in grades K-6 as part of their ongoing Global Art Adventure curriculum taught by art teacher Katie Pike. 

Approximately 1,200 pieces of art were displayed at the show with each student having a piece chosen by Pike put on display. The pieces of art were created by students as they worked within the parameters of each Global Art Adventure lesson and gave their own unique twist on the subject.  

This is the first year since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic that the Sippican Elementary School has been able to host its annual school art show. 

“This year’s art show was a great way for us to showcase and praise our students’ creativity and unique talents,” said Superintendent Nelson. “I want to express my gratitude to the staff and volunteers that made this event so special.” 

The event opened with the transformation of the school cafeteria into a cafe where students performed live music for guests. The first performance of the night came from the first-year jazz band, Monday Jazz. 

A variety of performers took the stage throughout the night including solo pianists, singers, dance routines, clarinet trios and the Sippican Elementary School Concert Choir.

Throughout the event, attendees were encouraged to participate by making their own artwork at one of seven “Make and Take” art stations set up around the common areas of the school. Each table represented a different continent to reflect the global art theme. Craft table activities included bracelet making, painting, watercolors, weaving, origami and printmaking. Crafting supplies were provided by a previous Sippican Elementary School art fundraiser, “Art to Remember.” 

Additionally, a live painting demonstration was performed by Boston artist Bren Bataclan. Bataclan is the founder of the Smile Boston Project. As part of the project, Bataclan leaves his cartoon-inspired paintings for people to take for free around the City of Boston. Attached to each painting is a note saying, “This painting is yours if you promise to smile at random people more often.” As part of his demonstration, Bataclan taught Sippican students how to draw his unique characters. His demonstration was sponsored by the Volunteers At Sippican Elementary (VASE) group.

The evening concluded with a performance by the advanced jazz band, Tuesday Jazz. All performances were overseen by Band Director Hannah Moore.

“I want to thank both Katie Pike and Hannah Moore for their efforts to bring this wonderful event back to our school,” said Principal Sirois. “It was amazing to see over 1,000 pieces of student artwork line the hallways of our elementary school and the joy it brought to each of our attendees.”

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