Works by young artists enchant the community

By Anya Tikka
DINGMAN TOWNSHIP — Who says business and art don't mix?
Young artists are discovering that local businesses are great venues to show their work. Everyone going about their daily business — shopping, banking, or, in the current case, physical therapy sessions — needs more beauty in their lives.
Dingman Township’s kids’ art show will be at the Pike Physical Therapy Center, 1346 PA-739, Dingmans Ferry, until the end of the week, said art teacher Katie Wasco. On display are pieces chosen at random from the works of student-artists on campus.
“The show has art from kindergarten up to eighth grade," said Wasco. "Since there are three schools on our campus, I had each art teacher in our campus collect three works of art from each grade level with the theme of ‘winter.'”
Other teachers contributed artwork from their students, including Anna Avery at Dingman Elementary School, Tara Edmonds and Laurie Yatsonsky at the Dingman Delaware Middle School.
This was Wasco’s first year organizing the art show.
“I decided to reach out to the community and find a business that was willing to hang up art," she said.
She’d visited Pike Physical Therapy Center about a year ago. She thought it was a great place to share student artwork for others in the community to enjoy.
“I love that their imaginations run wild, and they are so enthusiastic and energetic about all of the art projects I teach them," said Wasco of her students. "I get a lot of support from the faculty and the community about all of the projects we make and about the art shows I display.”
Wasco grew up in the area, attending the Wallenpaupack schools. From there, she went on to study art education at Kutztown University before returning to her roots. She currently teaches kindergarten through grade 2 at the Dingman Delaware primary school.
She said the school's culture and values help immensely.
“I am glad that my district supports the arts so much," she said. "All too often you see these programs being cut or removed from schools, so I am happy to keep it alive here.”