On April 24, Sunrise Elementary School in Redmond held its 4th Annual Art Night and drew more than 130 students and their families.

The celebration of students’ creativity and art was on display as the pinnacle of the Art Docent program at Sunrise. The Northshore School District, as well as its Art Docent program, supports the growing evidence that the arts are vital to a child’s education and academic success at a time when many schools are choosing to cut the arts out of their budgets.

The event showcased art projects completed during class time based on artists such as Monet, Audubon and Escher.

As part of the Art Docent program, parents integrate state standards and elements of art into different projects they bring into the classroom. The projects, accompanied by an art history component, are a way to bring a hands-on art component into the classroom each month.

One of the big draws of Sunrise’s Art Night was a treasure hunt throughout the school where art projects were used as clues. Other highlights included a bake sale to support the program, a free gift basket drawing, hands-on art activities (featuring “mistakes” which were turned into drawings), an educational “suitcase” from the Seattle Art Museum, story time with teachers, a group art project and the winners of the Reflections Art Contest.

“To see evidence of the thoughtful and deliberate teaching of art that is tied to state standards, paired with some incredible final projects, simply amazed me and filled my heart with pride and joy for what we are able to bring to our students,” said Sunrise principal Doug Hale. “I cannot speak more highly of the work of our dedicated Art Docents and the partnership that exists between home and school. This program is benefiting our students.”