Arts program brings out the best in students

MODERN DAY MOZART—Brookside Elementary School fourthgrader Nathaniel Harris plays his original composition, "65 Million Years Ago." The piece, which is about dinosaurs, was one of 115 entries in the school's annual Reflections art contest. Brookside Elementary School is home to some up-and-coming young artists.

More than 60 students submitted 115 entries in the school's annual Reflections arts recognition and achievement program. Submissions included original musical compositions, literature, dance, video production, visual arts and photography, this year's most popular category with 56 entries.

All work revolved around the theme, "Wow."

"Some kids spend months on their artwork—composing music, writing literature, creating a painting, making a video," said Leah Winck, Brookside Reflections chair. "It's fantastic to see the end results and these young minds at work."

Students were recognized for their work at an awards ceremony/art gallery held Dec. 2 at the Oak Park elementary school. Twenty-nine entries qualified for the district contest, with the potential to go on to state and national competitions.

Among the winners were fifth-grader Davis Gortner, for his video about going to Mexico to build a house for the poor; and second-grader Yuval Karoly for his photo of a fish lunch he took while on vacation in Israel.

"The program is a great way for students to explore and learn about various art forms," Winck said. "This PTA program has existed for many years, but in the last three years, Brookside has seen tremendous growth in participation."

Students are organized by grade, so their works are judged with others in the same grade division of primary, which encompasses kindergarten through second grade, or intermediate, which includes grades three through five.

This year's judges included Carlos Coto, a writer for the television show, "24"; Lindsay Tredent, a manager at MySpace Music; Theresa Halzle, a professional photographer; and Tom Violand, owner of Art is Our Passion, an art school in Agoura Hills.

Reflections is a nationwide PTA program established in 1969 to promote the arts.

"How important it is, given our budget constraints these days, to keep the arts alive in our schools. The Reflections program does just that—it's a wonderful way for children to reveal their creative sides and be recognized for their work," Winck said.