Students at New Berlin Elementary got more than their usual dose of art on Tuesday, October 5th.  They got a whole day’s worth, plus a parade.  

To introduce students to a National PTA Art competition called Reflections, New Berlin Elementary hosted a “Start the Arts” parade.  Local artisans were on hand meeting with students along the route and discussing how they can show what people can accomplish together, this year’s Reflections theme.  

Each artisan represented one of the six categories under which students may submit artwork.  The categories are literature, musical composition, photography, visual arts, dance/choreography and film/video production.  Questions such as “Can my artwork be a cartoon?” or “Where do you get your ideas for stories?” were asked and ideas were shared as the students were inspired by the artisans’ stories.  

Once students decide what category(ies) they want to submit artwork for, they will receive the program’s rules and guidelines.  Students will have until November 1st to complete their art projects.  Projects will be on display and judged at the school during the week of November 15th.  Submissions moving forward will be judged at the county PTA level with the possibility of being judged at the state and national PTA levels.  

The Reflections Committee at New Berlin is still in need of volunteer assistance.  If you are interested in helping, please contact the school at 714-4601, ext. 217.  

New Berlin Elementary would like to thank the following local artisans who volunteered to assist during the parade; author Ruth Crawford, musician Frank Nettles, visual artists Adrian Pickett and Elonya Davis of The Adrian Pickett Gallery (located in Suite 112 in the Jacksonville Landing), dancer Tara Foxworth of Oceanway School of Dance and Performing Arts (located at 376 New Berlin Rd., Suite 9), and volunteers Nikki Fulp and Sharon Carpenter.