A big thank you goes to Mrs. Marilyn Guenther and all the students in her second grade class at Lakeport Elementary School and to volunteer art teacher Pat Hopper. I had the opportunity to assist Pat during the class project of painting Smokey Bear posters for the state and national poster competition. Thank you, especially to all the students, for making this a fun afternoon of sharing and learning. Creating a love of art at an early age will promote a love of the arts all during these students’ lives.

Pat volunteers teaching weekly art classes to a second grade class at Lakeport Elementary School. During December, posters are painted based on Smokey Bear (fire prevention) or Woodsy Owl (environmental) themes. A committee of Clear Lake Trowel and Trellis Garden Club members help select a first place poster that is sent to the District level (Mendo-Lake District Garden Club) and then on to State level (California Garden Club Inc.) competition.

This is Pat’s ninth year of working with the children on this project. Twice the art students won first place at district level, then two students won at state level; and one little girl won fourth place at the National level. This program is promoted through the National Garden Club.

Claire Grieve is president of Clear Lake Trowel and Trellis Garden Club.

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