Alexie Marks, Grade 3, titled 'Reflections'. - Contributed photos

Staff, parents and students of St Hugh's Prep School came together recently to put on an afternoon of the arts that would also raise funds to purchase much-needed technological equipment.

The school, celebrating 50 years at its current location, embarked on the project as an idea which came from the embryonic stages of wishful thinking and the brainstorming of Betty Hutchinson, a grandmother of two of the students in pre-kindergarten, and Heidi-Anne McNaughton, art teacher at the school.

McNaughton's enthusiasm could be felt as she spoke about the event.

"Art Smart is something which we had been talking about doing for a long time. It was done some time before in the past and was well received. It was just a matter of time before we decided that it would be done again. We have over 400 really beautiful pieces done by the students which are worthy of show and, as you can see, so many parents and the staff of St Hugh's are really in support of this event."

There was also a display of Christmas tree saplings from the Environment Club, which is also headed by McNaughton. The pots were hand-painted by students as a perfect 'green' Christmas gift.

Parents could be seen looking at the students' paintings and marvelling at not only their own children's paintings but at the paintings of all the students who had displayed. Two parents, Alson Mitchell and Paulette Hawk, were seen trying to pick out their own children's paintings and commented on some of the work they saw.

a fabulous display

A painting by Liam Bernard, Grade 4.

Hawk stated that she was in awe at what she thought was a fabulous display of "fine art", and that she had no idea her daughter Danielle could paint so well. Mitchell commented that the art programme seemed to have brought out the very best in the children.

Principal Abby Wynter was equally enthused and delighted with the students' performance.

"Creativity and creative thinking are critical for the success of the whole child. In schools today, the focus is usually on exam results and covering every detail of the core curricula. This is good but at times we neglect, and worse, stifle our children's creativity. Art and music are often relegated to the periphery in schools. At St Hugh's Prep, we seek a balance and continue to value creative thinking and expression. Art Smart was an attempt to put creativity where it should be, in the spotlight to be appreciated by all," said Wynter.

"I see Art Smart as a special social gathering for St Hugh's Prep and friends of the school, and we look forward to continuing this worthy tradition in years to come."

There was also an art auction of pieces donated by Jamaican artists, including Myrth Hall, Alison Sinclair, Viv Burnett, Patsy Mair and Ingrid Coke.

The auction raised over $100,000 for the school's technology drive.

Lac-Rae Pitter, Grade 6, titled 'Kitchen Counter'.