VHECH students participate in art show

All year, Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights art students have been reflecting on the similarities between the process of cooking and the process of making art. 

“The two are very similar, actually,” art teacher Katie Hicks explained. “Tools and materials are required for cooking and for creating artwork. Ingredients go into both. Line, shape and color are a few of the elements utilized in an artistic piece, just as flour, butter and sugar are needed when baking a cake.”

 Creativity goes into both cooking and making art. This year’s theme in the art room was: “Feast your eyes on the delicious art that we have cooked up in the art room.”

“I like to remind students that there is a sequence or an order to creating,” said Hicks. “It is a process. This proved to be a relatable concept that students were able to grasp and encouraged them to slow down and take their time with each art assignment.”

A Taste of the Heights Art Show was held in April, showcasing a blend of food-themed artwork and local cuisine.

Classes began working on their food-themed projects in January and early February. A few examples of projects included fifth-grade cake paintings in the style of Wayne Thiebaud, while second-graders made soft sculptures of popcorn and layered sandwich assemblages. Kindergarten students made watercolor apple paintings in the style of Paul Cezanne, and fourth-graders created pizza collages.

“We made something that is yummy to look at even though we can’t really eat it,” said kindergartener Avery Grace. 

“When you cook, you are creating. When you make art, you are also creating,” said first-grader Will Hicks. 

One student wrote, “You can gobble up an artwork with your eyes.”

Working with the art teacher, PTO volunteer Jennifer Wolfe traveled around the community prior to the event, asking local restaurants to support A Taste of the Heights by providing small sample bites from their restaurant. 

“We were so pleased with how many restaurants in our community participated,” said Wolfe. “Ashley Mac’s, Doodle’s, Domino’s, Fig Tree Cafe, Mudtown, Murphree’s Market, The Olive Branch and Pita Stop Cafe all had tables set up in the gym to pass out complimentary samples. More local support was provided by Winn-Dixie and The UPS Store here in Cahaba Heights.”

George McMillan III of FoodBar judged this year’s artwork and provided his signature beet salad for guests to taste. He awarded a first-, second- and third-place prize for each grade level. Every student had two art pieces displayed in the art show, with over 700 pieces for guests to see. 

“We had a great turnout, lots of fun, and there were many smiling faces from this great community,” said Jenny Lysinger, PTO president.

 Dr. Kay Cooper, VHECH principal, thanked the community for their participation, attendance and support.