Thanks to a grant from Alpha Delta Kappa educational sorority, I funded a field trip for the elementary gifted students in Iberia Parish. The purpose of the field trip was to expose our students to the mystery and magic of art.
The students were able to tour an exhibit at The Hilliard Museum in Lafayette, LA. They saw the art of George Rodrigue, who was born in New Iberia and became world famous with the creation of his Blue Dog series. The students were fascinated to learn of Rodrigue’s origins and how he created amazing paintings throughout his life until his death in 2013. They recognized the iconic Blue Dog from a sculpture that we have in a downtown park dedicated to his memory.
They also viewed the art of Beili Liu who used the element of water to create an abstract hanging of paper above their heads. She also made blue cyanotype prints of objects from the ocean to draw attention to the problems of pollution.
Denise Gallagher, a local author, illustrator, and graphic artist led the students in an abstract activity using small straws and India ink on paper. Enjoy the gallery of art. Some students wrote poems to accompany their creations.
I believe that children should be exposed to art and learn that they are creators. Denise and Callie, the educational docent at The Hilliard, helped our students feel comfortable and inspired by art. The students were pleasantly surprised and proud of their creations.
Reflections on the Teche 
A wonderful story….and I love how the photo shows your student’ s intentionality and at the same time, her openness to surprise from her breath.
So much fun to read about. I use to take my class on trips like this. There is so much to learn and to engage students. Then to open them up to their own creations. How wonderful!
Margaret, you know that I always love your students artistic expressions. These images and poems are bright with the spirit of spring. I would love to share their work at my Poetry Parade Gallery of Artistic Expressions that I am working on for NPM. The invitation they can see is at https://beyondliteracylink.blogspot.com/2024/04/new-ideas-for-npm-month.html. Your grandchildren might be interested also. May your springtime be fruitful.
A great experience for the students! Their work is so creative!
Fieldtrips are the best!! Your students are lucky you treated them to this art experience! So glad you added the photos.
How wonderful to “expose students to the mystery and magic of art.” Children ARE creators and need to believe it…these stunning creations are excellent proof! Feeling comfortable is key… such wonderful moments and work, Margaret.
This seems like such an amazing experience! I love the pictures of the art!
Margaret, what a wonderful opportunity you gave your students. I agree that they need to be exposed to art and given the chance to create their own art as you have given them. I love their creations! What a great day. Thank you for sharing joy through photos and words. 🙂