Redmond Mayor John Marchione joined John James Audubon Elementary School art docents and families to explore how students interpreted the “Fiber Art: Many Strands, One World,” the school’s International Night art walk theme on May 28.

The art walk showcased projects by each class, kindergarten through fifth grade. These projects were inspired by artists worldwide who use a range of techniques such as natural dyes, embroidery, felting, batik and weaving to add depth, texture and color in innovative ways.

Fiber art techniques offer metaphors for coming together as communities, healing and creating new beauty from old as several projects demonstrated like the collaboratively created Huichol-style yarn painting by fourth graders.

After viewing the artwork at each display, visitors read a question posed on the cover of a flip book, lifted the flap to find the answer and then used their pencil overtop of a raised design to create a rubbing image iconic of the display in their International Night passport.

There are 66 docents, parents specially trained to provide once-monthly art classes throughout the year. The Art Docent program, a PTSA-sponsored series, strives to provide opportunities for students to learn art vocabulary, art techniques, creative problem solving, interdisciplinary knowledge and cultural and artistic awareness and appreciation.

Marchione also toured the “Marketplace” portion of International Night where families shared food, artifacts and cultural experiences from their home countries, which spanned the globe from Libya to Ireland.