“Art that Tricks the Eye” is the theme of an art showcase produced by Treasure Village Montessori School currently on display at the Islamorada library. The artwork is engaging, but the age of the artists is amazing.
TVM art teacher Diana McGuirk-Hille guided the students, including pre-kindergarten, to use paint, collage, markers, string and ink to create geometric works incorporating three-dimensional illusion to draw viewers into images and displays. The works of the students cover the walls of the community room in the Islamorada library at MM 81.8.
McGuirk-Hille, who joined TVM in 2006, stays busy because all students have two art classes every week. For this project she used inspiration from artists like Bridget Riley, Rene Magritte, Victor Vasarely, Mary Boole and others to bring the students into art that tricks the eye. First grade TVM students followed the inspiration of artist Victor Vasarely to create “Op art” consisting of cubes arranged in a checkerboard pattern. If done correctly, the images present a striking 3-D effect.
“First graders use rulers and markers to very carefully create these illusions,” McGuirk-Hille said. She adds her own artistic skill to the student’s work by placing a photo of each artist in what appears to be the well at the bottom of the work. The result is very personal art.
Fourth- and fifth-grade students create string art pieces with intricate designs.
“We have to use X-Y coordinates, precise dimensions and math skills to create art,” says McGuirk-Hille. “Art is a safe way to fail. This generation can be afraid to fail. This kind of installation art provides expression, skill and experience.”
Treasure Village Montessori is one of five public charter schools in Monroe County. Public charter schools receive taxpayer funds, but offer some alternative curriculums. TVM and May Sands Montessori School in Key West offer the Montessori method of instruction, which encourages children to learn for themselves at their own pace.
TVM, an A-rated school, was established in 1998 and serves about 215 students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
McGuirk-Hille produces a TVM art show at the library in the winter and spring, each with a different basic theme. The current show is on display at the Islamorada library through May 11.
