Flagstaff youth celebrate culture during local art show

By Robyn Dolan, The Catholic Sun
April 19, 2007

FLAGSTAFF — Ten students from St. Mary’s School entered in the 6th Annual Coconino Center for the Arts Youth Art Show, which ran March 6-30.

Under the direction of art teacher Ellen Hobson, students submitted their best work in various media, including sand painting, watercolor, print and construction paper.

Although awards were not the goal of the activity, third-grader Kirsten Bublitz snapped up first place in her division with her “Self-Portrait Print.” It was made using Styrofoam, watercolors and paper.

Hobson feels that all her students and their work are just “remarkable” and she found it very difficult to choose which pieces to submit for the show. Entries were limited to one from each grade plus one extra. She tried to include a variety of styles and media.

The art program at St. Mary’s isn’t just about slapping some paint on paper, Hobson said.

Students study great artists throughout history, including Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. They experiment with different styles like  pencil sketch, watercolor and crayon batik.

Art lovers can view other projects by St. Mary’s students at the Flagstaff Public Library, the Coconino County Fair, St. Pius X Chapel and in conjunction with other events at St. Mary’s Catholic School, such as book fairs, and band and choir concerts.