Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Art is not just confined to the classroom at St. Patrick Elementary School in McCook. Students from kindergarten through the eighth grade are taking their art lessons beyond the school walls and sharing them with the wider community. Guided by their art and computer teacher, Deonne Hinz, these students are gaining hands-on experience and making a vibrant impact on the McCook community.

Hinz believes that art is for everyone and participating in community events allows students to show pride in their faith, school, and town. Through their involvement in one community art event, the students at St. Patrick Elementary School have opened the doors to many more opportunities in McCook's flourishing arts and culture scene.

McCook, located in southwest Nebraska, has recently experienced a blossoming arts and culture scene. The town's commitment to fostering creativity and collaboration is evident in the McCook Creative District, which features historical museums, art galleries, the iconic Fox Theater, Norris Alley outdoor venue, and a much-talked-about community mural.

The students at St. Patrick Elementary School have had the chance to engage in various community projects, starting with a collaboration on the Community Mural Project "Ethereal Plains." Led by artists Amber Hansen and Darcy Millette, the students contributed their ideas and thoughts to the mural, injecting their creativity into a public art piece. Hinz remarked, "It was fun to see our young students help provide input for what they felt the mural should represent by using their imaginations and the best part is that there were many of those ideas included in the finished mural, which was exciting."

This initial collaboration opened doors to more opportunities. The seventh- and eighth-graders participated in designing and painting the front windows at McCook Pinnacle Bank for a "Cancer Awareness Month" business competition. Hinz observed the growth of her students through these projects, noting that they allow students who "often don't have the opportunity to show off their talents outside of the school setting" to shine in a public arena.

The school's participation continued with the Southwest Nebraska Big Give student art exhibition and the Creative Art District walk. Each student displayed their favorite artwork from the year, alongside two significant all-student collaboration pieces titled "Making the Connection" and "We are Better Together but it starts with a Dot."

Hinz's approach to teaching encompasses a wide range of media, from traditional arts like drawing and painting to more diverse forms such as fiber, glass, pottery, printmaking, digital design, and woodwork. Her goal is to help students become creative thinkers and problem solvers in everyday life. She wants them to see that art is everywhere and that everyone can excel in some form of artistic expression.

A collaboration with the High Plains Museum during the Christmas season provided another platform for student creativity. Inspired by the children's book "Snowmen at Night" by Caralyn Buehner, the students created a four-panel mural depicting imaginative snowy scenes. Every student, from kindergarten to eighth grade, contributed to the project, resulting in a festive display that will be exhibited at the museum through January.

As the school year progresses, collaboration remains the overarching theme for the students at St. Patrick Elementary School. They continue to work together to create meaningful art, even with the simplest of supplies. For Catholic Schools Week, the students created crosses from popsicle sticks and small sculptures for table decorations at the visitors' lunch.

The students, staff, and families of St. Patrick Elementary School eagerly anticipate the upcoming spring concert and art show. The event will showcase individual pieces as well as school-wide art projects. Hinz shared, "We plan to showcase our very talented students but also show our love for God and each other in a collaborative work that we hope to show for years to come."

The art projects of St. Patrick Elementary School are not just about showcasing student creativity. They are also about learning the values of collaboration, community, and the joy of adding art and beauty to their home. As these projects continue to weave through the McCook community, they leave a lasting impact on all who encounter them.