On May 28, Redmond Mayor John Marchione, Josh Heim and Rob Leavitt of the Redmond Arts and Culture Committee accompanied Audubon Elementary School’s art docents and students for a preview of their International Night Art Walk titled, “Art in Nature: Nature in Art.” The art walk showcases projects by each class kindergarten through fifth grade that reference art techniques and cultures ranging from the American Northwest to Japan.

Inspired by the nature theme, the art extended from quiet courtyard displays of ceramic butterflies hanging brightly in a maple tree, rock mandalas spread over the ground, to Australian Aborigine-like paper maché creatures crawling through a rock river. After viewing the artwork at each display, visitors read a question posed on the cover of a flipbook, 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 60 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 learn art vocabulary, art techniques, creative problem solving, interdisciplinary knowledge and cultural and artistic awareness and appreciation.