NEWS

As West, social distancing hasn't stopped love for art from spreading

Posted 3/10/21

Although COVID-19 has prevented many events from ensuing during these trying times, students in the National Art Honor Society at Cranston High School West were able to roll with the punches and reroute their usual annual in-school art drive to a

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NEWS

As West, social distancing hasn't stopped love for art from spreading

PERSONAL DELIVERIES: It was important to the NAHS members that the supplies be personally delivered to each school. Several students volunteered their time after school to safely accomplish the deliveries over several days’ time. Shown here at Hugh B. Bain Middle School are, from left, seniors Catherine Consiglio, Marissa Such and Elizabeth Cowart.

SO MANY SUPPLIES: Over the course of a month, contributors had the opportunity to utilize an Amazon wishlist to pick out art supplies to be donated to several schools across the city of Cranston. All told, the group collected $1,000 worth of donated art supplies.

(Courtesy of Cranston High School West National Art Honor Society)

THANKFUL FOR THEIR GENEROSITY: Principal Gina Armstrong was grateful for the art supplies that were donated to Rhodes Elementary School. Supplies were also donated to Stadium and William Dutemple elementary schools, as well as Bain and Park View middle schools. Armstrong is pictured with seniors Marissa Such and Catherine Consiglio.

Posted Wednesday, March 10, 2021 11:11 am

Society members established an Amazon wishlist with an array of options for the community to purchase that would go towards local elementary schools in need of supplies. By the end of the month-long donation drive, the society had collected $1,000 worth of art supplies ranging from acrylic paints and brushes to crayons and construction paper that will be donated to several Cranston elementary and middle schools.

Senior Marissa Such, NAHS president, said: “Through this art drive the society hopes to bring a smile to the students, especially during these difficult times when art is something that brings relaxation and happiness to many.”

Members of the National Art Honor Society also include Danielle Nield, vice president; Catherine Consiglio, treasurer; Elizabeth Cowart, secretary; and social media managers Ella Rose and Caitlin Finch.

Faculty advisor and Cranston West art educator Valerie Bruzzi agreed and expressed her pride for the students’ ability to think creatively in order to accomplish their mission.

“COVID-19 has placed a few obstacles in our way this past year,” she said. “However, my National Art Honor Society members have used their creativity and problem-solving techniques to break through the barriers. This year they were able to raise awareness of the importance of art education, as well as bringing much-needed art supplies to our local schools. I am so proud of this group.”

Donations were delivered by NAHS student representatives to Stadium, William Dutemple and Edward S. Rhodes elementary schools, as well as Bain and Park View middle schools.

Rhodes Principal Gina Armstrong expressed her gratitude to the group, and shared how the donations will help with an upcoming school project.

“The generosity of the Cranston High School West Honor Society is greatly appreciated,” she said. “Our students will put the donated materials to great use as they are beginning their ‘Kindness Rocks’ activity this month for the Rhodes Elementary School Garden. We thank them for such a beautiful and heartwarming surprise.”