GRAND RAPIDS – Traditional art from Byron Center Public Schools artists is now on view at Kent ISD.   Drawings, collages, digital art and more can be viewed in the lobby at 2930 Knapp NE during business hours now through December 17.

The artwork comes from students in grades 1-12 from Byron Center High School, West Middle School, Nickels Intermediate, Countryside Elementary and Brown Elementary and gives a comprehensive view of the district’s art program. Instructors Greg Reinstein, Janine Campbell, Molly Marshall, Jamie Kosmicki and Jon LaBeau give students a solid foundation in art. They help students explore traditional principles of design, a variety of materials and art’s connection to everyday life.

“Our goal is for students to have a wide range of experiences with art including exposure to art and artists from different cultures and time periods,” says Countryside Elementary teacher Kosmicki. “Lessons connect students’ experience and knowledge to other school subjects whenever possible.”

The instructors also help students interpret images and build creativity. “We help students develop visual literacy to decipher images and use the information to create their own work,” says Campbell, art instructor at West Middle School.

 See more artwork from Byron Center students online at  www.artsonia.com/schools/byron1 and www.artsonia.com/schools/nickelsintermediate1.

The Byron Center Public Schools art display is one of a series during the year from schools within Kent ISD.  Other schools with displays this year include East Grand Rapids High School, Caledonia High School and Plymouth Christian High School.

Kent ISD also participates in annual Congressional Arts Competition, serving as local judges and occasionally offering purchase awards to student winners.