by Zander Hatziegorgalis 

A new art club at Patterson is making art for charity.

“There are a lot of students who like art”, said Ms. Marchewka, one of the art teachers at the school.

She would like to use that interest in art to do something positive for the community. She decided to start a new club this new school year for students to create their own individual art and to sell it to raise money for charitable organizations.

Ms. Marchewka has participated in art for charity projects outside of Patterson, so she wanted to bring her experiences to our school this year. Ms. Marchewka loved leading these clubs, so she brought the concept to Patterson so other students can experience it as well.

“I thought it would be a great opportunity to bring that experience to Patterson.”, said Ms. Marchewka.

Ms. Marchewka sent out a Google Form to staff members so they can order commissions of custom artwork. Students will receive service learning hours for their work.

“Currently we are working on a variety of posters and signs for folks.”

Any students who are not working on a commission are making paintings to sell at the Winter Concert and the Spring Arts festival. These paintings will be available for anyone to purchase.

Ms. Marchewka will let the students decide what they want to do with the money and which charities they want it to go to.

“The students will actually decide that,” she explained. 

Ms. Marchewka doesn’t know what the charities will spend the money on, because it’s their choice.

“It depends on the charity itself.”, she stated.

After students create original works of art, they will sell their artwork and Ms. Marchewka will be donating that money to any charity that the students in the club choose.

The Art for Charity club meets during Advisory. Currently Ms. Marchewka does not plan to add more students to the club.

“However, if I hear student interest in that, I would consider it for sure.”