Hastings Middle School art camp students focus on the visual expression

Newly-completed totem poles are now displayed at the Pleasant Hill Library. The brightly-colored artwork is the project of 15 students in this summer’s Hastings Middle School Art Camp, under the direction of Elizabeth Carroll.

The totem poles were the culmination of the four weeks of hand-on experience for the students, which included other projects and a field trip to the Borner Farms in Prescott, Wis. Part of that day was spent making birdhouses.

“This program is to cultivate in students the artist’s visual expressions,” said Carroll. Students worked in pottery, 2D and 3D areas and created clay masks.

“Their work was amazing,” said Carroll.

“For me, it was using this great gift I have,” said Adam Pfaff. “I liked all of the program.”

Students worked on projects in the school’s art room – when it became too warm, they moved down the hallway to an air-conditioned area to watch a movie.

The totem poles are constructed from carpet rolls, then decorated with paper mache. Each student sketched their ideas on drawing paper, then worked from that theme.

The students expressed their appreciation to Jim Huberty, who supplied the carpet rolls from the school, and Mark Cernohous, Mike Rapittz and Terri Schoenwald for their help with the project.

Anyone wanting to learn more about the camp can contact Carroll at ecarroll@hastings.k12.mn.us.

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