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Art Gallery Gone Global

"I created my first site in the mid 90s, as a place to showcase my students artwork," middle school art and Web-design instructor Sarah Wegenast told Education World. "It has since developed into a resource for students, teachers, and others interested in art and technology."

In addition to the site's published artwork, the Aurora Middle School Art Department offers links to art museums, technology sites, fun and creative interactive sites, and resources for both students and educators.

"One of my goals was to find Internet sites I could use along with my curriculum and lessons," Wegenast explained. "Students are directed to specific areas of the art Web site, which saves time in the classroom."

Visitors have been pleased with the organization of the site and with the variety of material it presents. By design, each page stands on its own; those pages include Art and Technology, Artists, Museums, Color Theory, and more.

Most of the inquiries Wegenast receives about the site relate to student projects featured at her Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth grade student projects sites. Teachers often request lesson plans and ask general art questions, Wegenast said.

"Students are very excited to have their work on the Internet to show family and friends," Wegenast added, "and they like going to the Cool Art page when they're finished their assignments and have time to 'play' on safe sites."

Wegenast encourages other art teachers to create Web sites that are useful, not only for their local schools, but also for global information sharing. "Is it worth it?" she asked. "It is to the students who go home and are excited to share their artwork with family that lives 300 miles away. It is to the struggling art teacher in another state wanting a new art lesson to share with their students. It is to art advocacy."

Article by Cara Bafile
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