The "GLOW!" art show at Patterson Elementary School was a dynamic black light art event produced on April 25th 2024. With 1,125 students participating, 940 of whom are from low-income or minority backgrounds. Activities included an interactive glow art wall, a glowing photo booth and a raffle with local business donations as prizes. The school's fine arts wing and gymnasium became a vibrant student art gallery, immersing attendees in the imaginative works of young artists from pre-k through 4th grade. The David Gottlieb Education Microgrant allowed us to purchase high-quality art materials and black light equipment, ensuring the artwork was visually impactful and durable.
There is not one story or experience that can be separated from the entirety of the event to speak to it's success as the "GLOW!" art show at Patterson Elementary School left a lasting impression on everyone involved. This event was a significant milestone for our Title I school. It was more than just an art exhibition; it was an opportunity to celebrate creativity, foster personal growth, and engage the community through the magic of art. The interactive glow art wall allowed event attendees to display their creative talents in real time using a variety of glowing art materials. The glowing photo booth gave students and families a place to capture memorable moments and there was a line to take photos for most of the night. The heart of the event was the student art gallery which showcased works from pre-k through 4th-grade students. The artworks ranged from pop art and retro video game-inspired pieces to 90's boomboxes, vibrant glowing landscapes, fantasy scenes, donut sculptures, paper mache jellyfish, and a wall of shaggy neon puppy dogs, all created from art materials purchased with the funding provided by the David Gottlieb Education Microgrant. The event was well attended, with administration, staff, parents, and community members all coming together to support our talented students. Attendees were quite impressed with the caliber of the show and expressed their desire to see more events like this in the future. The success of the "GLOW!" art show was not just measured by the beautiful artwork on display but also by the sense of community it fostered. Teachers and staff volunteered their time to help set up and manage the event, demonstrating a strong sense of teamwork and dedication to our student body while also sending the message to students that the fine arts are valued by more than just those that teach them. In preparation for the art show, students learned about different art styles, artists, and the importance of meeting deadlines. They were encouraged to think like artists, creating pieces for public display rather than just for the refrigerator at home. This shift in perspective helped students take pride in their work and see the value in their creative efforts. Feedback indicated a highly positive experience for all involved and a boost in the students' artistic abilities and self-confidence. It cannot be stressed enough that with an annual budget of $1,000, the Patterson art department rarely has the chance to produce events of this caliber. The David Gottlieb Education Microgrant provided by The Woodlands Arts Council allowed us to purchase high-quality art materials and black light equipment that was crucial in making the "GLOW!" art show a reality as well as providing a valuable and inspiring artistic experience that strengthened community connections and helped to instill a lifelong love for the arts in our students. The success of the "GLOW!" art show demonstrated the transformative power of the arts and the importance of continued support for arts education in our schools.