Students at The Redeemer’s School are showing people outside of the TRS family that they are brilliant, creative and able to compete with the best of the best! Once again, it is with great joy to announce that several of our students placed in the MAIS District III East “Art Room,” competition!

Led by TRS Art Instructor, Mrs. Claire Howell, students in 1st through 6th grades submitted pieces in the following categories: painting only, crayon only, mixed media, single drawing media and other single media. I had the chance to see the artwork before it was submitted and was very impressed by the talent displayed by our students. Please help me congratulate the following young, budding and award-winning artists!

Leah Garner (1st Grade), 1st Place, Painting Only
Kiley Benjamin (1st Grade), 1st Place, Mixed Media
Aja Walker (1st Grade), 1st Place, Other Single Media
Jaylen Mathis (2nd Grade), 1st Place, Other Single Media 
Ezekiel Martin (4th Grade), 1st Place, Single Drawing Media
Lila Crawford (5th Grade), 1st Place, Painting Only
Camden Runnels (5th Grade), 1st Place, Other Single Media
Areat Davis (5th Grade), 2nd Place, Mixed Media
Kennedy Holden (6th Grade), 2nd Place, Painting Only

“I am ridiculously elated,” says Mrs. Howell. “I know and have known that we have a particularly creative student body. I know that many of our students are gifted with artistic abilities. It is wonderful to see that confirmed. It was especially wonderful to see the effect that it had on the students- the pride they took in seeing that their hard work meant something.” 

When asked how they feel about their first place wins, 1st grade students, Kiley and Leah both describe the feeling of happiness! Kiley was recognized for her “Mixed Media” piece, while Leah received recognition in the “Painting,” category. Leah, who says her artistic abilities come naturally from God, says she enjoys Mrs. Howell’s art class because, “we get to make a lot of cool stuff.” The 7 year-old goes on to say that during art class she likes “painting most.” “You get to paint different things and use different colors,” says Kiley, who also enjoys painting in art. Kiley says she looks forward to art class “because we get to learn about different things, like great artists.”

I think it is safe to say that exposure to the creative arts can help produce more well-rounded students. “We are creative beings!” says Mrs. Howell. “Not learning to hone and grow our natural artistry is akin to never learning to stretch our bodies. Academically, there is research to prove time and again that students who have arts in school improve their studies overall. Art education improves cognitive flexibility and fine motor skills. I could go on,” says Mrs. Howell. 

Mrs. Howell says this is the first year TRS students have competed in the MAIS Art Competition. The artwork that won at the district level will now go to the state level. The state competition is set for April 3rd. From what I have seen so far, I am feeling pretty optimistic that we will have more good news to share from Mrs. Howell after the state competition! As always, keep up the great work students, we are proud of you!