Copeland Manor Elementary School’s Art Fest had kids doing everything from drawing tattoos and spiking their hair to watching circus performers and decorating cupcakes.
The May 5 event was organized by Copeland Family Association parents Jaimie Leighton and Gwen ZumBrunnen’s small army of volunteers.
“The Copeland Family Association puts on one major event for the arts, every other year, purely to expose the kids to the different arts,” ZumBrunnen said. “They’re exposed to fine arts – music, sculpture and painting – applied arts, like music and interior design, graphic arts, and performing arts.”
ZumBrunnen said the association has an event almost monthly, including a pancake breakfast, a Christmas shopping boutique and a dodge ball night.
Principal Lori Poelking said her students have been looking forward to the fest.
“They know this as a standing tradition every other year,” she said. “They look forward to it for a long time to come.”
One of the many hands-on classes was in fresh produce. Students were joined by Frank Bellino, executive chef at Cantigny Golf, and Mario Feijoo of Youthage Culinary Specialist.
They discussed the health benefits of fresh produce and carved various animals and other small figures out of carrots, cucumbers and other produce.
Denys Bucksten is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
