Minnesota Prairie Roots

“Peace” art created by Aseneth, 12th grade, Faribault Alternative Learning Center.

ART HOLDS SUCH POWER. Through art we express our emotions, unleash our imaginations, re-create the world, make statements, create beauty…the list seems endless.

Art from the Faribault Area Student Art Exhibit at the Paradise Center for the Arts.

Whether a professional artist or a student creating art for a classroom assignment, artists make a difference.

Adna, Faribault Middle School seventh grader, created this piece of art.

Their work causes us to think, to reflect, to look inside, and outside, ourselves.

Student art covered hallway and gallery walls on the second floor of the Paradise Center for the Arts.

Each year students from Faribault area schools exhibit their work at the Paradise Center for the Arts. I photographed selected pieces from that show in mid-March, showcasing some in a blog post on Monday. Today I bring you more of that student art.

Lincoln Elementary School fourth grader Yasmin created this bright combo of daisies and oak leaves.

The level of talent impresses me. I didn’t possess these skills at this age. Nor do I now. But then my elementary school didn’t offer art classes and choices were limited during junior and senior high school. It was the reality of rural Minnesota in the 1960s and 1970s. Partially because of that art deficit, I deeply value the arts today.

Sand art created by Brianna from the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind in Faribault.

Yet, I recognize that my exposure to the arts remains limited. For many reasons, including financial. So I am thankful for local access to the arts.

A sampling of the student art displayed.

I fear for the future of the arts with the current economic crisis in this global pandemic. But I try not to dwell on that because we’re all dealing with a lot right now within our families, businesses and communities. Our top concern needs to be our health—protecting one another from COVID-19 and keeping ourselves safe and healthy.

This art by Belle, Faribault Middle School sixth grader, simply makes me happy.

Art rates as a welcome diversion from reality, from unproductive mind-wandering to dark places. Art brings sunshine and beauty and bursts of joy.

Posted in the front window of the Paradise Center for the Arts, a message of togetherness and strength.

Now, more than ever, we are feeling the power of connection via art. Sidewalk chalk art. Paper hearts in windows. Music sung from balconies. Concerts that bring musicians from all over the world together. Dancing in hospital corridors and in living rooms.

These snow people make me think of the world coming together. Art by Leighton, Jefferson Elementary School second grader.

Art brings us together as people. From Italy to Spain to New York to Minnesota. Now, more than ever, we need art.

© Copyright 2020 Audrey Kletscher Helbling