The Central Kitsap Junior High School (CKJH) art program is looking for people in the community to volunteer their time to help students learn arts and crafts as well as individuals who have items they no longer need that might be helpful in an art room.
Becky Marshall, art instructor at CKJH, said she made a successful appeal to the public years ago, but the time has come for more.
“Last quarter, I taught some seventh-graders quilting and I realized that we had some fabric scraps that had been given to us about five years ago from the community and I would love to have some more so we can expand their choices,” Marshall said.
While donated items certainly help, Marshall said what they really want are more “community connections.”
“If there are any quilters out there who want to come in and share their expertise with my students, show them samples or assist with sewing projects, we would love to have them,” Marshall said.
The economy has given Marshall an opportunity to add some history to the art lessons as well.
“I’m seeing a lot of people returning to basics with the recession,” Marshall said. “People are growing their own vegetables, sitting around the table with their families instead of going to restaurants, making it themselves, fixing it themselves and quilting came to mind so strongly that I shared that pioneer spirit and history with the kids and they really appreciated it and the work they did was so beautiful. They sew better than me.”
Items which are useful to an art department include yarn, fabric, ribbons and notions, beads, buttons, old jewelry, needles and thread, feathers and craft supplies, string, jute, rope, hemp, jewelry cording materials, aluminum pie plates, wire, objects that might be pressed into clay, water misters or spray bottles, rubber stamps, old candles and wax, old mirrors, ceramic and glass objects and old useable mortar and grout.
“I am willing to drive to them,” Marshall said. “Just call me and give me driving instructions. I have a little CR-V that has room in the back, I will come and get your stuff.”
If you are interested in helping out or you have items you wish to donate, you can reach Marshall on her direct phone line at (360) 662-2387 or by e-mail at beckym@cksd.wednet.edu.
