Lots of “oohs” and “aahs” were heard from children streaming into the Crown Point Junior Music Academy’s auditorium when the doors were opened for the school’s art show on March 13.
This year’s theme, “The Year of the Horse,” was reflected in the art pieces created by Crown Point’s older students who used several media.
Younger students, those in transitional kindergarten and kindergarten, developed a smaller project titled “Earth Is In Your Hands.” They swirled colors in a circular pattern, with their final product framed with a recycled CD envelope that had its clear window serve as a frame.
During a recent art lesson, Erin Pennell, admired the work of fourth graders, Fintan Kelly, lower left, and Lenora Mendlik. They were filling in large horse contours with pastels, influenced by the styles of Marc Chagall and Franz Marc who used horses extensively as symbols in their art work. (Cyril A Reinicke)
Erin Pennell, the artist in residence, owner and founder of Art FORM, chose the theme to highlight the Lunar New Year that was celebrating the Year of the Horse in 2026. Crown Point students learned about three famous artists, Marc Chagall, Franz Marc and Deborah Butterfield, and their extensive use of the horse in their art pieces and sculptures.
Art FORM is a small local nonprofit art center that specializes in the creative reuse of found and recycled materials to the greatest extent possible in each and every art lesson.
Fifth grader Emmett Summers with the horse sculpture he made from found and recycled materials in the style of sculpturist Deborah Butterfield. (Erin Pennell)
This is the fifth year for Pennell to provide Crown Point students with structured art lessons at regular intervals for each grade level.
“One special part about working with students is seeing their development both during the school year, and over several grades/years,” Pennell said. “From my view, it’s in leaps and bounds. It is a treasure to see their skills grow. It is also a treat to see them respond to recycled materials or out-of-the-box projects, true to Art FORM.”
The students’ work throughout the school year culminates in an annual art show.
“Art FORM has been such a gift to our school community over the past five years,” said mom Liz Garcia, who attended the art show with her family. “It brings creativity to life in a way that feels exciting and is truly joyful for our students.”
Aaron and Liz Garcia brought their children, Quinn, Avery and Zoey, to Crown Point Junior Music Academy’s annual art show on March 13. (Courtesy of Liz Garcia)
According to Pennell, the art program is a group effort.
“Crown Point teachers and parent volunteers help support a valuable art experience, and trust when all the pieces come together, we can share joy in the viewing and honoring of student art work and process,” Pennell said.
Crown Point Junior Music Academy students looking at artwork for the “The Year of the Horse” theme, left, and “Earth Is In Your Hands” theme. (Erin Pennell)