Genuine Art: Collaborations Between Artists and Children

    Going on safari in the Serengeti plains, swimming with coral reef fish, and envisioning the world as pop art.  These are just some of the imaginary adventures students at the Madison Montessori School have experienced this year with the school’s “Genuine Art” program which brings together professional artists and students (all under six years old).   The fruits of their imaginative and collaborative efforts, interpreted in photography, collage, glass, mosaic and painting, will be on display at the Nicholas F. Rizzo Fine Arts in Chatham, March 25 to April 4.

            The exhibition is the culmination of the Madison Montessori School’s annual “Genuine Art” program, now in its 16th year.  This year’s theme, Land, Water, Air, draws its inspiration from the earth’s geography, as well as the country of Tanzania.  The finished works of art will go to the highest bidders at a silent auction on Friday, April 4.   All proceeds will benefit the Benjamin R. Wieler Scholarship Fund, the Madison Montessori School Scholarship and Preschool Advantage students attending MMS.

            “There is no other program like Genuine Art,” says featured Chatham artist Sandy DeCristofaro  “  “Every year it is a pleasure to participate.  Children, artists, teachers and parents all play their part with infectious enthusiasm.  It is a real tribute to the school that GA is as vibrant now as when it first started.” 

            MMS Director Terry Armstrong adds:   “Genuine Art is like being on a magic carpet ride.  From the artists’ beginning visions to the actual art sessions with the children to the finished art pieces, we are transported on a delightful and always surprising journey.”

            Chatham gallery owners, Brenda and Nick Rizzo, also donating their space for the exhibit for the second consecutive year, are happy to host.  “We feel strongly about art education in the school system at all levels,” explains Brenda Rizzo.  The couple has established a scholarship for local high school students to pursue a career in the arts.

            Other artists volunteering their talents include:  Michael Albert, Lindsay Baydin, John Coyle, Linda Evans, Seth Ruggles Hiler, Jennifer Huebner, Sabine Mann, Debra Petitti, Joni Rose, Rossana and Bill Stevenson, and Bill Tuttle. 

     The public is invited to view the exhibition from March 25 to April 4 at the Nicholas F. Rizzo gallery, located at 32 Watchung Ave., Chatham.  Exhibition hours are:  9 am to 5 pm weekdays, 9 am to 3 pm Saturday, closed Sundays. 

     Founded in 1981, Madison Montessori School models the philosophy of Maria Montessori, who recognized that children develop and learn at different rates and that an enriched environment has more benefits to the developing brain. Montessori education provides an unparalleled foundation for academic, social and executive functions critical for advanced problem solving and lifetime success.

For more information about the exhibition, please contact Madison Montessori School, 973-966-9544, 19 Green Ave., Madison, NJ 07940, www.madisonmontessorinj.org or find MMS on Facebook.