The Fine Arts are alive and well at Ss. Robert & William Catholic School

Ms. DiFiore showcases her students' art pieces

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It is hard to believe that we have come so far in another school year.  Summer vacation will be here soon and our students will be able to reflect on their past school year.

Students at Ss. Robert & William Catholic Parish will be able to muster up some great memories.  Not only have they been busy with their academics, they also have had the opportunity to participate in several extracurricular activities to enhance their lives.

Under the direction of faculty member, Mrs. Ellie McClusky and parent, Mrs. Lynette Wojtila, the students have just performed an adaptation of the work- “Beauty and The Beast.”  This family oriented play is funny and endearing; you could see how much the students enjoyed preparing for it during their rehearsals.

Mrs. McClusky started in theater when she was 6 years old. She played Gretel in the Sound of Music before it hit Broadway and has worked on school plays beginning in 1994.

When asked why Mrs. McClusky has been engaged in theater work for such a long period of time, she replied, “At the center of all drama is communication. Like all the arts, drama allows students to communicate with and understand others in new ways. Perhaps more than any other art form, Drama also provides training in the very practical aspects of communication so necessary in today's increasingly information-centered world. Students who have participated in dramatic activities are less likely to have difficulty speaking in public, will be more persuasive in their communications, both written and oral, will be better able to put themselves into others' shoes and relate to them, and will have a more positive, confident self-image. Participation in dramatic activity requires self-control and discipline that will serve the student well in all aspects of life. Students in drama learn to work together, to cooperate, and to find the best way for each member of a group to contribute, and to listen to and accept the viewpoints and contributions of others. Drama is an important tool for preparing students to live and work in a world that is increasingly team-oriented.”

It is obvious that Mrs. McClusky has put her heart and soul into this production, and she tells me, sadly, that due to family obligations, she has now retired her director’s chair with hopes these wonderful productions continue.

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Located around the corner from Mrs. McClusky’s Room is Art Teacher, Ms. Emily DiFiore.  Ms. DiFiore had been supervising her students, as they restored several of the old pews that had been located in the chapel of the Merici Center, the parish’s old convent. Finishing touches were being placed on them, as the pieces served as auction prizes for the school’s annual fundraiser, “The Taste of Nations,” which was held in April.

The works included:  “Beachscape”, which features a Lake Erie Sunrise with a sailboat and lighthouses; “The Grapes of France and Italy”, featuring the vineyards of France and Italy.  In this piece, vines of green and purple grapes flow across the dark green background; and  Van Gogh’s “Irises”, which showcase a garden scene with the colors of purple, turquoise and cobalt blue which brings depth to the art.

This is the second year for this particular art program at Ss. Robert and William. Students in the program (K-8) are receiving an art history background which is the basis for the art projects. Students are introduced to a particular artist or genre of art history, are educated on the subject and then are able to explore that artist by making a piece of art in that artist’s style. Along with art history, students are learning the basic art elements such as line making, color theory, and value. Students receive a wide range of materials to work with, and are able to explore the mediums -in many different ways- by using painting, collages, printmaking, 3D art, weaving, drawing and also making art with household objects, food and even things from nature. Students also are able to explore art by using recycled materials and coming up with creative ways to show their artistic side.

The students are now gearing up for their annual Art Exhibit, “Angels and Artists,” on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 6:00p.m. in the Upper Hall of the school which is located at 351 East 260th St., Euclid.  Their work will be joined by the artists of the parish.  “This exhibit showcases the many talents of our students and our parishioners.  Some of the parishioners do not speak of their talents and when this annual event takes place, it is awe-inspiring to see what they have created,” states Fr. John D. Betters, Pastor.  The school’s Band Concert will follow at 7:00p.m. in the gym.  All are invited to attend both events.