San Leandro Arts Council President Suzanne Pershing paid a visit to

Washington Elementary School with the “Bill Stephens Art Cart,” a new feature of

the Arts Council’s Artist in the Classroom program.

Washington Elementary School students enjoy after school Art pARTy,

co-hosted by the San Leandro Arts Council

[San Leandro, CA – December 17, 2008] Washington Elementary School students enjoyed an after school Art Party, hosted by art teacher Susan Deming, and co-hosted this year by the San Leandro Arts Council, under the leadership of Council President Suzanne Pershing, who came with the brand new “Bill Stephens” Art Cart filled with art materials for young artists to enjoy.

Washington parent Patricia Bidar, who has partnered with Susan Deming on three other after school art parties for Washington wildcats, mentioned the Art Party to Suzanne, who immediately saw an opportunity to engage with a greater number of students than the individual classroom visits made through the Council’s Artist in the Classroom program, which arranges for visiting artists to share their talents and encourage creativity in the classroom.

“I instantly loved the idea of art being a party and asked Susan about the possibility of co-hosting an Art Party with the Arts Council,” said Pershing. “Each party would have a theme, something the kids could identify with and look forward to. For our part, the Arts Council would provide materials and tools, along with an artist or two to help guide 70 or 80 kids through a creative process.”

The Art Cart, purchased with a check from San Leandro City Councilmember Bill Stephens, would create instant recognition by being large enough to carry an abundance of supplies and would bear the logo of the Arts Council. Shaped like a covered wagon, it subliminally conveys a sentiment of encouraging students to become “pioneers” in charting new territory with their artistic vision.

Local artist Anna Edwards accompanied Suzanne Pershing, and additional art supplies were provided by Susan Deming and teachers Kathleen Richards and Stephanie Neira. P.E. Specialist Kathy Thompson, also got into the art spirit, as did other parents and teachers who lent a helping hand.

The Art Party (and the Cart) was a big hit! Instead of the 70 or 80 students Pershing anticipated, 110 students turned in their permission slips. When one factors in the younger siblings who attended, the numbers are even greater. Like all good parties, refreshments, courtesy of the Washington School PTA were served before the art began; and upbeat, joyful music filled the air.

“The wonderful thing about the Art Parties is that I really have to trust in the generosity of so many parents and teachers who just show up and help,” said Susan Deming. “And it always works out—everyone pitching in to help the students, organize the artwork to dry, and clean up at the end. It is really great!”