Student art raises funds for program

Whitney Charboneau didn't know what would emerge when she began her paper quilling project in the Multi Media art class earlier this year.

"I had no clue what I was going do and I just started quilling," said the Coal Ridge High School senior.

Paper quilling is an art form using rolled strips of paper that are shaped and glued together to create decorative designs. As Whitney began rolling paper, a sunflower emerged. It was an image that made her think of her grandmother who had recently passed away.

"I was looking at the colors and thought this would be awesome. And I was also thinking about my Grandma.. She really liked sunflowers and autumn, and autumn colors. I drew my inspiration from her. “

Whitney's piece titled "You Are My Sunshine" fetched $160 at the second annual Coal Ridge High School art auction and was one of nearly 30 pieces placed for sale. Money raised from the art auction will be used to support the Coal Ridge art programs, and specifically, said Art Teacher Nicole LaRose, to help purchase a new kiln.

"We are definitely going to have to replace it in the next couple of years," explained LaRose of the nearly $6,000 expense. The money is also used to help fund field trips for the school's budding artists to the Denver Art Museum.

"That was such a special experience last year, so I'm hoping we are able to share that with our students again this year."

Last year, the art auction brought in about $4,000. This year, the event brought in about $4,400.

Ultimately, Whitney plans a career in the medical field and hopes to blend her passion for art into her career as well. Through the Coal Ridge art classes she has found a way to express her creativity.

"I think that there is craft and there's art. Craft is more like when you get an idea off of Pinterest, and copy it exactly. I really like high art, which is making your own inspiration and your own ideas and expressing them through a technique like paper quilling. I love the art program at Coal Ridge. I hope we are able to raise a lot of money to support the program and Ms. LaRose. She is an amazing teacher."