For the fourth and fifth graders of Auburn city schools, reading, writing and arithmetic weren't the only focus of education this week.
"Adventures in Art," a program organized by the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center in Auburn, is a field trip component of a community-based art education program.
Each day, fourth and fifth graders from area elementary schools have been involved in interactive arts.
This year's theme was the Renaissance.
"Art's important because you can always succeed in art," said Cari Philen, art education specialist for the city of Auburn. "There's no wrong answer."
Philen was in charge of the event this year, and said 1,000 to 1,300 students would be involved.
"With so many kids, we need so many volunteers," Philen said.
That's where the Auburn University Panhellenic Council comes in.
"Each sorority was asked to provide five girls," said Christina Huckaby, junior in education and director of benevolence for the Panhellenic Council.
"A lot of people who are art history majors were interested in it," she said.
Sam Lamere, senior in political science and president of Panhellenic Council, said this type of philanthropic work is close to the girls' hearts.
"It's just something that every girl in Panhellenic cares about: helping others for the greater good," Lamere said.
As sororities became larger, they became more social, but community service is still a focus.
"We're trying to get really involved in the school system," said Huckaby.
Huckaby said the public school system is something to which everyone can contribute.
"We're happy to be a part of it," Huckaby said.
And the Auburn city schools are happy to have the sorority sisters at hand.
"The University is great because they are here and they're willing to help," said Philen.
She said she wants the volunteers on hand to give the students that one-on-one push.
"They just want volunteers to have a good attitude and a willingness to participate," Lamere said.
Students who attended the event didn't just watch art being created by others.
They were also able to participate in the creation.
"I danced!" said fourth-grader Maggie Hardin from Ogletree Elementary School. "We got in a circle, but when we were with the boys I didn't like it."
Each day's events included a show by a performance group from Virginia, Renaissance games, a gallery presentation and the creation of illuminated manuscripts.
Charlotte Rea, senior in management and a member of Phi Mu, volunteered last year as well as this year.
Rea helped the children make the illuminated manuscripts and said her favorite part was "just hanging out with the kids and getting to know them a little bit."
Both the Panhellenic volunteers and the children enjoyed the event.
"Kids don't get the exposure they need to the arts," Philen said. "We need to utilize this opportunity."
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
