Moses Lake school explores history through art

'Picturing America' pieces displayed in library

MOSES LAKE - In one painting, a place of voting is overcrowded with men, some of them inebriated.

The piece is called "The County Election" and it depicts life in 1852.

With a grant from National Endowment for the Humanities, Garden Heights Elementary School is learning about American history through the context of art.

"Picturing America" was displayed during conferences Monday and Tuesday. Some of the 40 pieces of historical art will be displayed in the school's library. A second viewing opportunity may be offered.

"I think it's just going to give them another venue to appreciate history and art," said Principal Kristi Hofheins.

Parapro Susan Byington said at first glimpse, the Election Day painting by George Caleb Bingham does not stand out. But upon closer inspection, one can notice interesting details.

Everyone in the painting is a man. They are all white men, except for one black man serving alcohol. She imagined one of the men, who was slumped over with another man carrying him, probably needed help voting.

She contrasted the scene with modern times, in which a black man ran for president.

"These are so historical," said Programs Coordinator and Reading Specialist Lori Boyd. "You'd have to go to the Smithsonian and stuff to see a lot of these."

The grant included a lesson book for discussing each piece, Boyd said. The grant requires the school to teach students about the artwork.

Librarian Kathy Payne is leading lessons on some of the paintings, she said. First-grade teacher Susan Hickok is also leading a lesson.

Boyd said children's reactions to the gallery were positive.

"They've been really excited about looking at them," she said.

5-year-old Bradley Long, a kindergarten student, said he enjoyed the gallery.

Long's favorite piece is an 1836 painting by Thomas Cole called "The Oxbow."

"Because it has a lot," he said.

Boyd said a parent learned about "Picturing America" from the "Today" show and mentioned it. Boyd didn't look into the program right away. She was reminded to when she saw the program featured on "Sunday Morning."

Last spring, Boyd learned the school was awarded the grant.