The creative and versatile young artists of the Moab Charter School brought a pop of color to the Museum for a full week. From February 15^th through 19^th, the Museum hosted a temporary pop-up exhibit of student art ranging from paintings to sculpture, which was open to the students, families, staff, and friends of the Charter School. The exhibition featured artwork from all grade levels.

Kindergarteners, exploring with collage and acrylic paints, created abstract pieces which were then combined together into a sculpture suspended from the ceiling.

First through sixth graders created watercolor paintings inspired by the stunning scenery of southeastern Utah. Classes were provided with a photo of an iconic landmark such as Monument Valley or Delicate Arch as inspiration, and each student brought their own personal style and imagination to creating their own renditions. The contrasts between students’ differing depictions of the same landscape evoke the magic of the region, and the versatile color schemes the desert can contain.

“I can’t believe my art is in a Museum!” Remarked one visiting third grader.

Charter School art teacher Tara Baker is very proud of the students’ artwork displayed at the exhibition and their creative efforts.

“The opportunity to display student artwork in the professional setting of the Museum is really fun, I think it’s very special for students to see their work alongside other objects and artworks that are important to this community.”

Baker, known in her classroom as “Ms. T,” joined the Charter School staff in the fall of 2020. A versatile artist of a wide range of media, Baker began teaching elementary level art in 2013 at the Art Association of Jackson Hole, in Wyoming.

In total, about 125 people attended the special exhibit. COVID-19 accommodations which include masks, enhanced cleaning and frequent sanitization of surfaces, and a limited capacity to ensure physical distancing were implemented.

This article was published in the Moab Happenings.