Westchester Day School’s second grade general studies teacher, Erica Strongin, started the after school art club in 2019. Morah Erica weaves art history and artistic concepts together, allowing children to tap into their inner creativity during her After-School Art Club. Children in k—fourth grades explore the work of a famous artist, then have the opportunity to create their own work using a wide range of materials. Morah Erica enjoys integrating studio art and art history into teaching to inspire and motivate the students.

Recently students looked at the work of Claude Monet and painted canvases using flowers instead of brushes and used rulers to help create an impression. Students looked at the work of Yayoi Kusama and created mini sculptures out of colored model magic and then added dark polka dots to them. WDS’s art club is not just confined to the classroom. After looking at site-specific land art sculptures by Andy Goldsworth, students venture outside during the warmer months to create their own land art using found natural materials on the WDS grounds. A highlight of the After-School Art Club is when the students have the opportunity to title their creations—which are just as creative as their works of art.