A group of more than a dozen elementary school girls used their hands Saturday to show what they want to be when they grow up.
Hand sculptures painted as a musician, veterinarian and mime were just a few of more than a dozen pieces of artwork the first- through third-graders showcased in an exhibition called “Me & My Hands.” The girls from Hardy and Harrison elementary schools have been involved in a Girls Inc. after-school art program that taught them how to communicate visually.
“We wanted to give them a broad perspective that art is everywhere,” said Bea Laurie, president and CEO of Girls Inc. The girls visited local museums to see all types of artwork.
Chattanooga sculptor Judy Britain donated her time to the program by providing three, two-hour sessions with the girls, teaching them how to make the sculptures come to life.
“They first wrote down what they wanted to be. Then we took that and translated it visually,” said Ms. Britain, an artist and sculptor since 2000. “The energy and enthusiasm was incredible. They’re all about possibilities — nothing is impossible.”
Angel Waugh, a second-grader at Hardy Elementary School, used her love of music as inspiration when painting her hand sculpture.
“Ever since I was 2 I liked music,” said the 8-year-old, adding that her favorite genre is rap. “When I grow up I want to be a music singer.”
Many of the girls’ aspirations included traditional careers, but 8-year-old Valerie Wagner said she hopes to become a mime so she can “make everyone happy.” Valerie proudly pointed to her sculpture, which depicted her vision of a mime, and said she plans to keep the artwork in her room to remember the experience.
Her mother, Maureen Wagner, 40, said she is thankful her daughter has the opportunity to learn about art, since the art program no longer exists at Harrison Elementary School.
“It struck me that they weren’t able to fund the art program at her school and what a loss that was for the children,” Mrs. Wagner said. “This is the only way that the girls who are in the public schools are exposed to art now.”