Students from The Village School, a pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade private day and boarding school in Houston, participated in this year’s annual Art Car Parade.
A group of 5th through 8th graders worked collaboratively on their design, making the car look like a Viking ship, an appropriate entry given the school’s mascot is a Viking.
“One of the unique aspects of The Village School is its Fine Arts Program. As the middle school instructor, I want students exposed to as many different opportunities as possible in which they can publicly exhibit their art and showcase what they are learning,” said Tyler Willmore, an art teacher at The Village School. “As a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEAM) school, a project like an art car helps us incorporate all of our subjects into creating a final product. It was great to see students develop their teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills while doing something fun and creative like an art car.”
Willmore added that it was rewarding to see students develop their ideas and come together despite their range of ages.
“Watching 8th graders mentor to the 5th graders and the 5th graders trust the guidance of 8th graders was refreshing to see,” said Willmore. “I’m proud of how they came together to create something they were all proud to enter in the parade. Teamwork in art is indeed a beautiful thing.”
Students also enjoyed their experience working on the art car parade entry and said it was well worth their time in the project.
“I thoroughly enjoyed getting ready for the parade with all my fellow artists. We have spent several hours together and have collectively designed and developed the art car,” said Ella Darby, a student at The Village School. “I couldn’t wait to show our masterpiece to the world.”
Willmore says he hopes the students walked away from the experience with a sense of accomplishment seeing their work in a public exhibition as rich in tradition as the annual Art Car Parade.
