An innovative educational initiative brought together college and elementary students in Alpena, fostering a unique learning experience. Last Monday and Tuesday, students from Amy Drenth's speech class at Alpena Community College (ACC) visited Besser Elementary to teach younger students about various artists through interactive projects. This program not only enriched the elementary students' understanding of art but also provided ACC students with valuable public speaking practice.

The presentations covered a diverse range of artists and artistic styles. For instance, Uxia Suarez-Fernandez introduced second graders to Andy Warhol by having them color Campbell Soup cans, while Jesse Hartman engaged fifth graders with sculpting exercises inspired by Jaume Plensa’s facial sculptures. Rebecca Romel guided another second-grade class in painting forests using Fauvism techniques, characterized by vibrant, unnatural colors. Meanwhile, Max Culp captivated first graders with a lesson on Bob Ross, encouraging them to recreate one of his iconic waterfall paintings. The hands-on activities allowed the young participants to explore creativity in ways that resonated with each artist's distinct style.

This collaboration exemplifies the power of education extending beyond traditional classroom walls. ACC instructor Amy Drenth expressed pride in the strong participation and teamwork demonstrated throughout the event. Many ACC students stepped outside their comfort zones, gaining confidence as they tailored their presentations to suit different age groups. Suarez-Fernandez noted how this experience pushed her to research topics she initially found uninteresting, ultimately leading to personal growth. Similarly, Romel highlighted the importance of adapting content for specific audiences, emphasizing adaptability as a key skill in effective communication. The project fostered a sense of community involvement among ACC students, who even assisted each other during cleanup after their sessions concluded.

Through such initiatives, both older and younger generations benefit from shared knowledge and experiences. By blending theoretical learning with practical application, these cross-age teaching programs inspire creativity, enhance interpersonal skills, and strengthen community bonds. Such efforts remind us of the transformative potential when people of all ages come together to learn and grow.