SLPS Art Fair Brings Nature to Life (posted May 8, 2008)

Students are showcasing their artistic talents at the Seventh Annual St. Louis Public Schools Art Fair, from now until May 16 at the Saint Louis Zoo’s Living World. Featuring artwork from preschoolers to high school seniors, the art competition is sponsored by the Saint Louis Zoo and the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation. An awards ceremony will be held Friday, May 16, at 10 a.m., at the Living World Auditorium.

With this year’s theme, “Exploring Nature,” students had to create art that depicts animals in their natural habitats – rainforests, oceans or even their own backyards. For the first time, students were asked to include quotes with their entries that reflect their research and feelings about the conservation of nature. The art fair’s nature theme also helps the zoo in celebrating 2008 as the “Year of the Frog.”

The art fair is a wonderful opportunity for the district’s young artists to display their art and receive community-wide exposure and recognition. All of the artwork connects the visual arts with science, social studies and communication arts.

On May 16, awards will be given for drawing, painting, mixed media (including printmaking), computer graphics and photography. Students will be presented awards in these categories for grades PreK-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Special awards include the Superintendent’s Choice Award and the Mayor’s Choice Award. Superintendent Diana Bourisaw will speak at the ceremony.