Superintendent's Art Gallery

Wes brought home a letter from school.  It stated that he had been chosen to participate in the Superintendent's 2011 Art Gallery Night.  We didn't really know what to expect.  They wanted us to RSVP with only parents, art teacher, principal and one other guest allowed.  I got a babysitter for the girls but Brent had clinicals.  When Wes and I arrived, a lady met us and asked what school Wesley was from.  We told her Oakridge Middle School.  She thought a minute where his art might be, then asked what his piece looked like.

Bird's Eye View of a City

He told her and her eyes lit up.  It was at the front of the meeting room on display for all to see.  The other works of art were hung in the lobby.  We looked at the other art pieces.  Some are truly amazing.

Wes and His Masterpiece

Then they had a really nice presentation of awards.

The superintendent was sick, so his assistant stood in for him.  Not sure of her name.

Wesley and the School Board Members: Roy Terry, Barbara Berry, Pat Carroll, and  Superintendent's Assistant

Each school submitted 3 pieces of art.  There are 30 elementary, 11 middle, and 9 high schools in Collier County.  Out of those, 25 elementary students, 10 middle school students, and 4 high school students were chosen to have their work displayed at the administration building for the next 6 months.  Out of those winners, the Superintendent chose two to hang in his office.

Purchase award winner and the two to hang in Dr. Thompson's office.  Wes' right in the middle.

He chose WESLEY's art piece as one of them.  How cool is that?  They also had an award called the Purchase Award-they actually buy a student's art to hang in the permanent art gallery in the building. The high-school girl painted an amazing picture of a Florida Panther.

Wes' art teacher couldn't get the grin off of his face.  I know he was pleased with Wesley.

I was quite proud of Wesley and his talent.  But I was even more proud of him after talking to his art teacher.  He went on and on about Wes and what a hard worker he is.  That he tries hard and is polite and kind to him and the other students.  He also mentioned that his class is better because of him.  Others see his work and want to try to do their best. He is a motivator.  His teacher is very nice and quite encouraging.

Mr. Ruiz (art teacher), Wes (cute one), and Mr. Saba (principal)

It was also nice to meet the principal.  Haven't had to do that before now.  Thank goodness.  What a rewarding night as a mother.  Wish Brent could have been there with us.