"Oh, I'm not an artist." Have you ever uttered these words? Author Peter H. Reynold tells an inspiring story about a girl named Vashti who feels frustrated in art class and insists that she can't draw. Her teacher encourages her to make a mark on a paper (just a dot!), and thus begins Vashti's journey to discover that she can, in fact, draw and create beautiful art. And not only this, but Vashti then encourages another child to embark on his own artistic journey. And it all started with one dot. 

This book, The Dot, inspired "International Dot Day," which took place on 09/15/23. Our ECLC and EBL students participated in this day by creating their own unique dot art. But they didn't stop there. Led by Misty Meyer (ECLC art teacher) and Kelly Lum (EBL art teacher), students then collaborated to create a lighthouse that illustrates the theme for their building this year: "Be the 'I' in SHINE" with this verse as the inspiration: 

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:15

From the top of this lighthouse streams a beautiful mosaic of "light" created by many dots. Every dot is as unique as the young artist who created it, varying in color, size, and design! Together, they "shine" across the wall to inspire all those who walk there. 

This is shows the heart of CHCA Fine Arts! We want to encourage students of every age to discover the artist within themselves, but then to take it a step further—to share that art with others (shine the light) and then to glorify (and point to) our Father!