Seven art students from Litchfield Public Schools joined in helping the Sherman County Foundation raise over $30,000 at their recent Good Life Gala. Artwork the students collaborated to create brought over $1,100 at auction.
View photos of the art pieces at the end of this story
When Litchfield art teacher Allison Varah asked students if they would be willing to make art to donate to the gala, themed Rooted in our Communities, the answer was a resounding ‘yes’. The students worked to create framed works with modeling paste and acrylic paint showcasing trees with roots sprawling into the ground.
To support the goal of the students, Litchfield schools supplied the materials necessary including modeling paste and frames so that the pieces looked finished and professional at auction.
“The trees added a whole level of depth to the gala because of how much personality they had,” said Sherman County Foundation Executive Director Betty Kuszak. “Being able to auction something from the students that was so personal made it impactful through the whole evening.”
Given the perimeter of the assignment as ‘trees, rooted and flourishing’, the students came up with solutions that were unique and different from each other.
“I am very proud of all of the artists,” said Ava Paitz. “It is truly a unique small-town experience that we are able to support the foundation which in turn supports all of us.”
Students were described as ‘tickled’ when they found out how much their art had contributed to the fundraising.
“I enjoyed working with the modeling paste which is kind of like smearing around mud,” said Wesley Fowler.
“I didn’t know that painting a tree could be fun and that my artwork could bring money to a good cause,” added Markus Bester.
