Visitors to Blairstown Elementary School’s gym on May 27 would have seen enough art pieces to decorate a museum. Over 1,300 paintings, sculptures, and drawings filled the gym, three by each of BES’ 430-plus students.
The art show didn’t come together in a day. It took four days of hanging, with the help of BES families and parents. Stapling student works to their construction paper backgrounds started in December. The students themselves have been practicing their techniques all year.
But the person who inarguably worked hardest to pull the show together was art teacher Kimberly Truelove, who’s taught at BES for the past 26 years. In prior years, she would display artwork during student concerts—sixth grade works during a sixth grade concert, first and second graders’ works during their concert, and so on. For the past three years, she’s hosted a schoolwide artshow every May.
In their March meeting, the Blairstown Board of Education accepted Truelove’s resignation. She officially departs BES this June. This year’s art show marks her last.
“The Other Side of Their Brain”
Truelove has always seen more value in art classes beyond working with pretty colors.
“For the kids, it’s a break from academic rigor,” Truelove said. “[Art] uses the other side of their brains, which they desperately need to use, especially with all the screen time. Having a hands-on media is so important to get that mind-hand connection, instead of just tapping a screen.”
Truelove began that mind-hand connection early by introducing new art mediums to children at a very young age, starting in preschool and kindergarten. As they grow up and their fine motor control increases, the budding artists learn new techniques: shading in first grade, directional shadows in second, more complicated blending in third.
Although she’ll no longer teach art, Truelove’s next move won’t take her far from the artistic world. She’s planning to transition into a career in interior design. She will also continue to run her Etsy shop, The Tranquil Brush, where she sells original pieces including alcohol ink stained glass and anniversary gifts laser-cut with custom messages.
For Art’s Sake
She hopes the tradition of the art show will continue beyond her.
“I’ve definitely said that it should, because it’s an awesome community event,” Truelove said. “And the kids, it’s the cutest thing. They smile and they point to their artwork. That’s why I do this. All the hours to staple things and write names are worth it.”
At the art show, many smiling children pointed to their art for parents to admire. One young student approached Mrs. Truelove, who asked if the child needed anything. In response, the student wordlessly hugged her.
Later, a visiting alumna of BES approached Truelove. Smiling, Truelove asked if she was still drawing Charlie Brown.
The student nodded and said yes. Years later, she was still making art.
Chip O'Chang is an educator, fiction writer, and lifelong resident of New Jersey. He has also written for My Life Publications and NJ Indy. He lives in the NJ Skylands with his partner, two cats, and and a bearded dragon.
- Chip O'Chang, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/chip-ochang-contributing-writer/
- Chip O'Chang, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/chip-ochang-contributing-writer/
- Chip O'Chang, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/chip-ochang-contributing-writer/
- Chip O'Chang, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/chip-ochang-contributing-writer/
