Artist Introduces a Different Kind of Art to Elementary Students

One artist opened the minds of third and fourth grade students at a local elementary school Tuesday.

The artist came to Idaho Falls to show students the importance of art at A.H. Bush Elementary School.

Students got a chance to experience autumn and art at Bush Elementary. Last year, the school had a poetry writer and this year they brought in a visual artist.

It was all hands on deck at Bush Elementary School.

Students had the chance to document trees that grow in Eastern Idaho by by creating leaf prints and then making them into artist trading cards.

Amy Nack, who is with the Idaho Commission of the Arts in Boise said her goal was to introduce the use of arts to help with literacy and common core standards.

“We’re exposing the children to the history of art and process and making their own art but while we’re doing it, we’re integrating subjects like science and math and literacy,” Printmaker Nack said. Third grade teacher Debra Beard said she and a group of other third grade teachers helped sign the grant that made this event possible and is excited for the students. “It’s engaging for them and so, I think it’s a great way to get kids excited about writing and also understanding the things about art,” Beard said. First-time printmaker Devin Canning said he had a lot of fun with the printmaking. “We rolled it and we got it all situated and then we put our leaf on and then we put this really thick paper and we just rub our hands on it and then we pull it off and it makes really cool leaves,” Third grader Devin Canning said. Devin said he would definitely do this all over again! The artist will be working with students throughout the rest of this week.