Dyker Heights

P.S. 229 show brings out artistic side of students

June 21, 2016 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Second grader Jaida Cruz created a first class Picasso-style drawing. Her mom and dad, Valerie and Mike Cruz, like it. Eagle photo by Paula Katinas
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Second-grader Jaida Cruz proudly pointed out her Picasso-inspired drawing to her parents, Valerie and Mike Cruz, as the family toured an art exhibition at P.S. 229 in Dyker Heights Thursday night.

The parents admired their daughter’s attempt at modern art. “It does look like a Picasso,” Valerie Cruz said.

Jaida Cruz was one of hundreds of students whose artworks were on display in a first-floor exhibition hall at the school at 1400 Benson Ave.

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The art show took place near the end of the school year to celebrate the achievements of the students.

“It’s a wonderful way to end the school year. We have hundreds of students represented in the art show,” art teacher Marie Dorval told the Brooklyn Eagle. “And we have all types of work; everything from depictions of ancient Greece to Andy Warhol-inspired pop art.”

The exhibition featured a variety of artworks, including drawings, paintings and sculptures. Students drew self-portraits, painted scenes from nature, sculpted athletes and made puppets.

Dorval, along with Tanis Coniglione, who is also an art teacher at the school, showed a reporter a giant Hersey’s Kiss that students made in tribute the late Andy Warhol.

The artworks represented many hours of work by the students, according to Dorval, who said youngsters in all grade levels prepared art projects for the big exhibition.

Art is an important subject, particularly in elementary and middle schools, Coniglione said. “It’s a way for students to express themselves. You often find that art can open up doors for students who don’t do well in other subjects. It gives them confidence,” she said.

Principal Robert Zappulla, who greeted parents at the door, said he was surprised and delighted by the art show. “We have a lot of talented students here,” he told the Eagle.

 


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