The GumTree Museum of Art
Sharing Treasures of Art

Story By Bobby Pepper

Photos by C. Todd Sherman

& Bobby Pepper

Throughout the school year, Tupelo's elementary students have been learning about famous artists and their techniques.
The unique artwork by children from 11 schools was on display last Thursday night during a reception for the "Shared Treasures" exhibit in the GumTree Museum of Art. A large crowd turned out to view the children's artistic creations.

The family and friends who toured the museum weren't the only ones in awe of the artwork. The students  themselves were just as impressed.

 

"It looks pretty," said Octavia Pinson, a Pierce Street Elementary third-grader while looking at me piece titled "African Weaving" by classmate Savanna Martin.

Martin said the inspiration for her work came from a study of Africa.

"Our teacher picks all kinds of art projects for us in class," she said, looking up at her work on me gallery wall. "It looks like a little checkerboard with lots of colors. Purple, orange, blue, pink and red."

While moving her hand across the surface of Martin's work, Pinson noticed that mere were many bumps. "I had to sprinkle salt to make all the little dots," Martin said. Pinson replied, "I like how she did that part."

Kids tell how

The reception gave students a chance to tell a parent or grandparent how they came up with the idea for their painting or sculpture.

Stephanie Yielding listened to her son, Preston Yielding, as he described his "monster birds" painting. Preston is a third-grader at Lawhon Elementary School.

"Our art teacher taught us how to waterpaint birds," Preston said. "Then she said, make it look like monstrous birds with buck teeth or like regular birds."

Nearly every bird in the drawing had a musical note next to it The larger the note, Preston explained to his proud mom, the louder the bird sang.

"He's so creative," said Stephanie Yielding. "I paint myself, so he's always wanted to paint with me.... He's been drawing ever since he was old enough to hold a pencil and a crayon, and I was the same way when I was a little girl I think it's in his blood."

Other students who attended the reception offered why they enjoy art.

"It's fun, and I've been practicing at it for a long time," said Margaret Hill, a Thomas Street third-grader, "I started in the first grade. I like drawing animals and puppy
dogs."

Milo Westmoreland, a Lawhon first-grader, said, "I like drawing people, animals and
horses. I made a monster out of paper and used hot and cold colors."

The receptions honoring "Shared Treasures" and the Lee County Schools' "Impressions" exhibit in early March were sponsored by the Daily Journal.