Becky Parmenter, CSA Coordinator at Gallery One, watches her students work during a ceramics class
Her favorite part about working with kids is that they “live in the moment.” “Whatever you’re working on, that’s what they’re focused on and they leave everything else behind,” she said. Parmenter doesn’t just teach children. She shares Gallery One’s philosophy about learning skills and reflecting on projects with new gallery instructors.
Filling a void As art has slowly disappeared from the schools, Gallery One has become the place to go for students desiring creative outlets.
“She’s leading the charge on filling in the void of arts education,” Miller said. Parmenter said the community has been generous and supportive by donating supplies and funding. Recently she’s been seeing more schools try to find grants and other ways to fund art. Lincoln Elementary School added an art teacher this year and also converted the
old principal’s office into an art room. “I think things are going to get better,” she said. “People are seeing how valuable art is for learning, for any age group for learning.” Gallery One fall classes have typically targeted kids in first through sixth grade, from ages six to around 11, though teen classes have recently been added. Adult classes also are available.