This year’s ArtSpark Day took place recently with students rotating through four 40-minute sessions of scheduled workshops that included theater, visual art, music and dance. The day emphasized hands-on learning, creativity, and the opportunity for students to explore new artistic experiences.

Offerings included improvisation and performance workshops with actor and educator Stephen Stout and teaching artist Rachel Lykins, as well as visual art sessions ranging from handmade paper flowers with Janna Willoughby-Lohr to collage with Sarah Brown-Millspaw and mindfulness-based art with Sally Burns.

“The creative process and expression help us grow our intelligence, our connections, and our understanding of one another and of ourselves,” said Rachel Curtin, Chautauqua Lake secondary principal. “ArtSpark Day is meant to spark that experience, help them get involved, move beyond the normal comfort zone, and have a role model or experience that helps them believe that they can. This day is all about the fun and relaxation that can happen when we give our attention to performers, give it a try, improvise, and create art for art’s sake. I am truly grateful to live in a community that values the arts and supports our students in this way.”

Other ArtSpark Day activities focused on music and movement, with sessions such as West African drumming and dance led by Tiffany Nicely and the Fredonia Percussion Studio, a live bagpipe demonstration by the 96th Highlanders Pipes and Drums, and a calming sound experience with Janine Chimera. Students also participated in jazz dance with Mary Schnepf and enjoyed performances from SUNY Fredonia’s Orchesis Dance Company and the jazz group Tetris Effect.

Students rotated throughout the day through four 40 minute sessions of scheduled workshops. Submitted photo

“My favorite part of ArtSpark day is when you get to see/experience students and their brains operating in a completely different manner compared to how they usually operate in a ‘traditional’ classroom setting,” said McLain Hinkler, Chautauqua Lake music teacher.. “You can physically see their facial expressions change because their heads are working in a totally different way. It’s a great opportunity to push the envelope of academics through creativity, and exploration – plus it’s just fun.”

Other interactive sessions looked to provide students an extra element of fun, such as with Music Bingo and karaoke, also giving students the opportunity to engage and perform in a relaxed environment. Students such as senior, Michael Horvath, expressed their appreciation of the day.

“ArtSpark allowed me to experience new things that I might enjoy that I wouldn’t otherwise try,” Horvath said.

The guest artists that came for the day, such as teaching artist Rachel Lykins, said seeing the students get something out of the experience that they did not normally was enjoyable for them as well.

“What I’ve enjoyed most is seeing students’ imaginations come to life,” Lykins said. “Acting is all about living truthfully in imaginary circumstances, and giving them that space to play has been so exciting to watch. They’re so smart, intuitive, and inventive–it’s been an honor to witness.”

One activity for the day was West African drumming and dance led by Tiffany Nicely and the Fredonia Percussion Studio. Submitted photo

Another visiting artist for the day, Sarah Brown-Millspaw, agreed.

“I enjoyed watching the students get inspired and create things they might not have created on a normal day,” Brown-Millspaw said.

ArtSpark Day continues to grow as a signature event at Chautauqua Lake, highlighting the district’s commitment to creativity, student engagement, and real-world learning through the arts. Superintendent Josh Liddell said that the experience of ArtSpark Day continues to be a meaningful one for the district’s students.

“ArtSpark Day was an incredible experience for our students and a wonderful celebration of the arts,” Liddell said. “There was a lot of energy in the building, and our students clearly enjoyed the opportunity to take part in the varied artistic experiences. As we know, the arts are an important part of education, helping students think in new ways, express themselves, and build confidence that carries into all areas of learning. We’re grateful to all of the presenters who shared their time and talents with our students, and to our Secondary Principal Rachel Curtin and her staff for their work in organizing such a meaningful experience. It’s events like this that really bring our local arts community and our school together.”

Students were given the opportunity to learn with an emphasis on hands-on learning, creativity, and new experiences. Submitted photo

Students learned about multiple art focused programs, including music, during the recent ArtSpark Day. Submitted photo