During the 2014-15 school year, Ocracoke School did not have an art teacher or art classes. The art program had been cut due to budget constraints. It wasn't a very popular decision (that's an understatement), and the Hyde County Board of Education found funding to reinstate art for the 2015-16 year. In the meantime, local non-profit Ocracoke Alive stepped up to provide arts education to Ocracoke kids.
The program was such a success that they've decided to do it again, even though there's an art program at the school. Why not? There's never too much art or exposure to new artists and materials.
"We are totally supportive and excited about art being back in the school," said Ocracoke Alive president David Tweedie. "But we also had a great time last year and want to continue the Art Partnership."
David and the other OA board members are making plans to provide the Arts Partnership in the second semester, starting in January.
"It will be a similar program to last year," David said. "And we hope to offer more time to older students, including after school time."
These photos are from just one of many great art experiences the students had last year, which happens to be the most enduring and only whole-school joint project.
Local artist Maria Logan of Salt Creek Studio taught a tile making course (of course!)
"Students were given a clay tile to embellish, with Ocracoke nature as the theme," she explained. "Students used clay tools, pencils, and found objects to create impressions on the tiles. The tiles were carefully boxed up and taken back to Salt Creek Studio, where I fired, glazed and fired again."
Maria also gives credit to her great helpers on this project.
"Many thanks to Tony Sylvester of Ocracoke Originals for making custom concrete frames and to Matt Sheehan for tile setting, troubleshooting, and installing these large, heavy, beautiful murals," she said.
Stop by the school and see the amazing detail of trees, birds, waves, suns, fish, turtles, etc. in person – the tiles are beautiful and each one is as unique as the kid who made it.
Want to help Ocracoke Alive bring more art to island kids this winter? Learn more in the following press release from Ocracoke Alive:
In 2015, Ocracoke Alive initiated the Arts Partnership Program to bring visiting artists into the Ocracoke School for 17 weeks of creative programming. The students (and staff) had such an incredible time! Last year’s classes included such offerings as painting, basket making, soap, photography, baking, paper construction, pottery, jewelry, tie-dye, and more.
This year Ocracoke Alive again invites artists and teachers to inspire the island students by sharing their talents. Instructors from the Ocracoke community will receive a stipend, and teachers from off Ocracoke will receive housing for themselves and up to 3 guests.
“The natural beauty and remoteness of Ocracoke has long been an inspiration for artists from around the world,” say director David Tweedie. “This program provides a wonderful opportunity for off island artists to retreat from the outside world for a week of creative rejuvenation while helping to inspire the Ocracoke’s next generations.”
Teachers interested in applying to the program can do so through the Ocracoke Alive website at www.ocracokealive.org. Ocracoke Alive relies upon financial contributions towards the $8000 estimated cost of the program and donations of housing for guest artists. Tax-deductible donations can be mailed to "Ocracoke Alive, PO Box 604, Ocracoke, NC 27960" and online credit card donations can be made through the Ocracoke Alive website atwww.ocracokealive.org
Ready for close-ups!
