High School art students collaborate with second graders at Immaculate Conception

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.

What if that picture is transferred onto a block of wood?

The second graders at Immaculate Conception Elementary School in Charles City didn’t seem to mind either way on Wednesday as members of Tia McInroy’s Charles City High School art class stopped by to teach the youngsters about photo transfer art.

IC second-grade teacher Sally Dougherty said the creations could be a wonderful gift for Mother’s Day – which happens to be this Sunday.

“It’s totally special,” said Dougherty. “This is perfect, though, for Mother’s Day, it really is.”

CC High School juniors Marcus Cranshaw, Caitlyn Stoneburner, Destiny Gillespie and senior Mikiahi Webber instructed the IC students on how to construct their art projects. Each member of McInroy’s class is learning about photography this month.

IC students had a block of wood and picture of themselves sitting on the table when they entered the classroom. Then they would apply glue to the picture, which would then be applied or adhered to the wood.

Cranshaw explained the rest of the process.

“You paint the surface before you place the picture down,” said Cranshaw. “How it works is, it takes the ink out of the picture,” said Cranshaw. “It transfers on to the platform.”

Dougherty said this is the second time that CCHS students have collaborated with IC students. IC doesn’t have its own art teacher, so, Dougherty said, she really appreciated outside contributors who can show her students things to do that turn into great works of art.

“We thought it would be really special and neat if they were to come in to share their expertise and their skills with our second grade students,” said Dougherty. “We’re so blessed for them to come in, for them to be willing to take time out of their school day and come and do this.”

Dougherty, who joined Lisa Anderson’s second-grade class in the artistic activity, said the kids can share their artwork at the talent show on Friday at IC School.