Family Art Night returns to SES

Family Art Night was back last Thursday at Sisters Elementary School (SES), after a few years' hiatus. And it was back in a big way. More than 200 people, parents and students alike, filled the commons and tried their hands at over a dozen different arts and crafts projects.

"It was amazing to see so many kids and parents sitting down together and working on projects," said one of the art night coordinators, Mary Dethlefs.

Dethlefs not only helped to coordinate the Sisters Parent Teacher Community (SPTC)-driven event with Karissa Bilderback and Erin Borla, she also volunteered at one of the many art stations by helping students make bracelets out of buttons and cording.

"The original idea was button bracelets - something the kids could make and wear again and again," she said. "As the night went on the creativity kept coming out. Kids were making necklaces, stringing shells, and creating some really great pieces."

Family Art Night began several years ago with a group of parents, teachers, and community members wanting to get families together to be creative. For the past few years, art night took a break. Through the help of the coordinating team, the support of the SPTC and many volunteers, the event came to life again.

For the 2016 event, the SPTC had a goal of 100 participants. The 200-plus people who showed up blew that goal out of the water. Dinner was provided, but the 26 pizzas that were purchased were quickly mowed through by hungry artists within the first hour.

"It was an amazing turnout," said Amy Davis, a parent of first- and third-graders at SES who also volunteered throughout the night. "Many parents mentioned that it was fun to take time to play with their kids and make projects together. They didn't have to worry about a mess in their kitchen or having all the right tools and pieces on hand, they could just sit down and make something fun!"

In addition to several parent volunteers, the Sisters High School Leadership class also sent several students to assist at the various art stations.

"Just like any activity for a group of people, it's the volunteers that really make it work," said Bilderback. "We did a lot of prep work before the event, parents took some items home and cut and folded things so they were ready for the big event - then the night of the event several people came out to help and make sure each of the tables had someone there to help and support the kids through each project. We couldn't have pulled it off without everyone's help!"

Those who attended had a choice between 13 projects including making a mask, decorating an egg-carton monster, creating a boat out of corks, an airplane out of clothespins, their own private journal, greeting cards, a "wind-pipe" out of drinking straws, vegetable print-making, watercolors and more.

"I loved making projects with recycled stuff," said Davis' third-grade son Bryant. "The tops out of old CDs and fun jewelry out of bottle caps!"

Kids and their families were invited to try one or all of the stations - there was even a free-draw station for those students who just wanted to sit down and color.

"My favorite part was drawing circles and painting them and putting stickers on the masks," said Stella Moen, a kindergartner. "I loved that my family was there - my mom and dad, grandma and grandpa, and my brother Charlie, too."

Throughout this school year Sisters Elementary School staff and administrators - along with SPTC volunteers - have worked hard to bring the community into the school, to make the elementary school a place where families gather. There are events every month designed to bring families together at the school, for more than just field trips. Common Core math and reading nights have already occurred, and a writing workshop is planned for the spring.

"Getting elementary school families together is really important, no matter the subject," said parent volunteer Kelley Moen. "The art night did exactly that. It was so fun for kids and parents and teachers to just simply have fun, doing art projects together. Throughout the evening there were lots of laughing, smiles and good conversation.

"Family nights like this help us become a stronger school community," continued Moen. "It was a great night for everyone, and I sure hope for more of these at SES."