‘Emerging Artists Featured in Elementary Fine Arts Festival Across School District’

The Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) recently celebrated the 53rd anniversary of their All-County Elementary Fine Arts Festival. The event featured 4,410 art pieces created by elementary students from across the division, showcasing their creativity and talent.

Jasmine Hawkins, the administrative coordinator for the arts in PWCS, highlighted the importance of such arts festivals in providing students with a professional art exhibit experience. She mentioned how the public is invited to celebrate the students’ talents, dedication, and hard work.

One student, Lillian from Kyle Wilson Elementary School, expressed her joy in presenting her artwork to the public, saying, “It feels great because other people look at it too. Art makes me happy because I can just create whatever I want.” Another student, Noah from Buckland Mills Elementary School, shared his pride in having two pieces of art displayed at the festival, emphasizing how cool it was to share it with the community.

The festival drew in art lovers, parents, and community members, creating a memorable experience for the young artists. Hawkins expressed her hope that the event would have a lasting impact on the students, emphasizing the importance of sharing their stories through art.

“The visual arts are a very individual process where you are expressing yourself and sharing a story through your work,” said Hawkins. “An exhibition like this is an opportunity to share that story with our global community. I think it’s really important for students to see how speaking about art and writing about it is just as important as making it. Sharing it with the public is what really makes it special.”

Noah echoed this sentiment, stating, “Art is beauty. That’s what I like about art.”

For those who missed the elementary festival, there are two more opportunities to appreciate student artwork at the upcoming All-County Arts Festivals. The festival for middle school students will be held on Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while the high school festival, including nontraditional schools, is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public, taking place at the Kelly Leadership Center in Manassas.

To catch a glimpse of the amazing artwork showcased at the elementary festival, viewers can watch a video featuring some of the highlights.