Museum pieces spark inspiration
Art students create works inspired by auto museum’s collection
Art work by Boyertown students could be found at the Boyertown Musuem of Historic Vehicles over the weekend and has now moved to Studio B. The works were inspired by the musuem’s varied collection.
Over three class periods, art teachers Thomas Dareneau and Pam Hendrix were able to bring about 30-40 art students to museum. Students were free to explore on their own, with time to sketch, photograph, and ask the museum staff about the displays.
From that research, the students had about three weeks to create large drawings for their End of Course Assessment. These works are now display.
“The idea was that they were supposed to capture the essence of this place,” said Dareneau. “Most of the students have never been here before.”
Several different types of mediums were utilized by students since Dareneau teaches drawing and Hendrix teaches painting and media mixed. Also, all grade levels are represented since the art program is open to all.
Emily Zimmerman, a senior at BASH, was very excited to have her work in display at the museum. At the opening with her family, she talked about how the
students were able to freely walk around the museum.
“I think it’s good to get the students into different places to get inspired,” said Hendrix.
Abby Long, a junior at the high school, said she enjoyed her time at the museum. “I took photos of everything, and if one thing stuck out – I would take several photos,” she explained. As far as the exhibit itself, she thinks it’s neat that people have the chance to see it. Abby chose charcoal as her medium, and depicted a reflection of a vehicle on a vehicle.
“Over the past couple of years – we’ve been really trying to expand into the community,” said Dareneau, explaining how they’ve worked with other groups in Boyertown. “This was the next logical step.”
Both teachers also talked about the benefits of doing local trips like this, such as low transportation costs — if any.
“We’re trying to incorporate the town — Boyertown is a very special place in that it’s within walking distance to school,” said Dareneau. “I can’t think of any of the place that has what we have in such a small space.”