Elementary Students Express Themselves Through Art at Olde Orchard's Summer Experience
Updated: Oct 2
Young people have so much creativity inside them, and at WAV, we create a space that encourages students to explore that part of themselves while leading them through projects designed to help them express their emotions and feel confident in who they are.
This summer, students in kindergarten through third grade did just that through Columbus City Schools’ Summer Experience Program at Olde Orchard Elementary. They spent an unforgettable summer creating visual art projects, learning to keep the beat through bucket drumming, attending a private concert by local band blucone, and putting on an art gala to showcase their work for their families.
These projects not only gave students an opportunity to create without limits, but also develop self-awareness, emotional expression, resilience, and positive coping skills within a safe and supportive environment. That connection between creativity and personal growth is at the heart of WAV programs. Through the arts, we work to strengthen the social-emotional skills that help young people succeed both inside and outside the classroom. As Coach Nora shares,
"I think when a kid is more confident in themselves, they're able to be better at reading, math, english, and building the rest of these skills that they use in everyday life."
Watch the video above to hear more from WAV facilitators about the artwork their students created.
Art for All Abilities
Hear from Coach Sarah as she shares artwork from her students in the Special Learning Center (SLC) classroom. WAV intentionally adapted each art-based activity to meet the diverse abilities and needs of all students, ensuring that every child could meaningfully participate.
Teachers consistently shared that students with disabilities looked forward to the daily sessions and often talked about them in anticipation, describing them as the highlight of their day. Because these students do not always have opportunities to fully participate in group activities, the inclusive nature of the program created a safe, welcoming environment where they felt valued, capable, and successful.
All About the Artwork
Students worked in a variety of mediums, creating self-portraits, thinking caps, masks, sock puppets, and a collaborative community collage. Through each activity, they had the opportunity to explore what it means to express themselves creatively and share who they are. That spirit extended beyond the art-making, too. Each day, facilitators played students’ song requests and made space to simply listen to what they wanted to talk about. Students also worked alongside their peers, learning what it means to be part of a community while feeling encouraged to show up authentically as themselves.
The end of the program culminated in a student-led art showcase. Parents and guardians were invited to attend, providing students with an opportunity to share their creative accomplishments, build confidence, and strengthen connections between school, home, and the community.
The Students Share
Check out the excitement from a few students sharing their art at the end of summer showcase in the video below.
Both WAV coaches and students were incredibly proud—not only of the artwork on display, but of the growth they saw in each class throughout the program. When we come together with partner schools, supportive teachers, funders, and incredible students, we can create spaces where young people feel safe to express themselves, build connections, and grow into who they are. We can build a community of support where every young person feels seen, heard, and valued.
This is why our programs matter.
