From Saint Matthew School
With the start of the new school year underway, Saint Matthew School in Tyrone is busy preparing the many enrichment opportunities they provide including the popular Artist in Residence program. Bringing area visual and performing artists to interact with and share their talents with the students, thus inspiring their own creativity, is the goal of this program.
“We have a wonderful line-up of local talent scheduled for this year,” explained the school’s Educational Enrichment Instructor Steve Stoner. “Our area is so rich with individuals and groups whose art form they perfect either as their profession or a side venture. Their willingness to share the joy and exciting challenge creativity creates is the amazing gift they offer to our young artists. Every student from our youngest preschooler through the intermediate grades have a chance to learn from each of these artists.”
This year’s line-up is a mix of painting, sculpture, music, and theater. Lori Cave was the initial artists that help start the program several years ago. As an independent artist and previous art teacher at the Grier School, Mrs. Cave’s philosophy of learning a technique then exploring where your imagination may take you has resulted in amazing creations. Her sessions focus on painting using a variety of mediums and styles.
Renowned local sculpture Peter Frantz will be sharing his works as well as challenging the students to create a three-dimensional sculpture. Peter was born in Tyrone and received a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia. As a practicing sculptor much of his art employs natural elements as raw materials combined with cast bronze, steel, glass, and retasked objects.
The Tyrone Community Players will return with a theater workshop that results in the annual Christmas program in December. As part of their residency students will learn techniques in acting, help construct scenery for the play, and make costume pieces. In addition, former Tyrone art instructor Ann Yaniello will be highlighting the ancient art of origami which is the folding of paper. Other participating visual artists include Angel Harbst with painting on canvas and Cathy Stewart’s jewelry making. Both of these artists are being sponsored by our local chapter of Catholic Daughters of the Americas.
The art of musical performance will be making a joyful noise with a visit by area musicians Terry and Paul Turner. Featuring the sound of percussion and string instruments, the students have the chance to make music by playing along with the artists.
“As we begin our 156th year of providing a faith-based education, the students, staff and families of Saint Matthew School are so appreciative of each artist’s willingness to share his or her craft,” Stoner concluded. “We are interested in adding more artists to the program and encourage individuals to contact the school by calling the office at 814-684-3510.”
[Photo: Saint Matthew School students experienced mural painting with local artist Lori Cave as part of the Artist in Residence program.]
