As Claxton Elementary's visual art specialist, my personal mission is to create a classroom culture in and through visual art that encourages children to bravely express their individuality. Weekly 45 minute art lessons explore visual literacy, art history and art appreciation through utilization of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study's Visual Art Essential Standards. Student art displays include the Annual Asheville City Schools Art Show, various community display opportunities as well as bulletin board displays within the school. Cooperative art projects within grade levels, cross-grade levels and participation with families and community members are an important part of publicly displayed art on our school grounds. Student groups are also involved with various service project opportunities to express themselves and their creativity for a purposeful cause. Families are able to purchase their student's artwork on various products and help support the visual art program at Claxton through our visual art fundraiser with Art to Remember.