Student-created Masks on Auction Block Saturday

Guests at the Mardi Gras Mask-er-Aid this weekend will be treated to a very special art auction. Students at Oakwood, River Valley and Old Quarry Middle School decorated masks in support of the SD113A Educational Foundation fundraiser to take place Saturday, Feb. 9, at Ruffled Feathers Golf Club.

“The kids were so excited to complete an art project to show off for the community,” said third-grade teacher Nicole Dyche. “Knowing their art was going to be ‘for sale’ gave them a greater sense of pride in their work. All of the kids were able to work together incredibly well to create wonderful masks!”

Dyche also mentioned many families donated materials for the masks, and the staff and students were grateful for the supplies. The third- and fourth-grade students worked in teams to create more than 100 silk masks using feathers, glitter, sequins and fabric trim.

Kari Bolin, whose daughter is in the fourth grade, and several other parents volunteered to help the classes with the art project.

"It was obvious how much the kids enjoyed this project. It was really inspiring to see them working so well together, making sure that each child had an input in the design,” Bolin said. “The teachers did a great job preparing, and I believe that's why the kids collaborated so well. The students and the teachers should be very proud of themselves. I can't wait for everyone to see the masks on Saturday, they are absolutely beautiful!"

Younger students at Oakwood School colored paper masks. Those creations will help create a festive atmosphere at the event.

Old Quarry art teacher Jean Dorrance helped students create eight masks, working with molded bisque forms. One mask was molded from scratch and decorated by Dorrance. Many students helped her with the glazing process.

“The students spent many hours designing and painting the glaze on their masks,” Dorrance explained. “They came in during home room and gave up part of a day to get these completed…resulting in stunning pieces of work by some very creative students here at Old Quarry Middle School.”

Students representing all four grade levels (5-8) took part in the project. Once the glaze dried, the masks were fired in a kiln, creating a beautiful glass-like finish.

Want to take home your child’s unique creation? The masks will be available for purchase and through silent auction at Saturday’s event.

Tickets for the Mardi Gras Mask-er-Aid cost $65 each, or $120 for a pair, and are available through the Foundation website.

Proceeds from the event will fund grants to be awarded through the Foundation. Faculty are invited to submit requests for grant money to fund programs and materials not funded through the district’s budget.

The SD 113A Educational Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) public charity formed. The goal of the Foundation is to provide educational materials and programs beyond the operating budget of the school district. Since 2010 the group has awarded more than $60,000 in grants.

For more information visit www.SD113AFoundation.org.

Editor's note: The information above was provided in a press release from the SD 113A Educational Foundation.

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