Thomasville Scholars Academy art teacher Ashley Ivey-Jackson’s seventh period art class and Julie Spence’s pre-k at Scott Elementary are back and better as they team up for Art Because We Care (ABC) Art Club for a third year.   

ABC Art Club started with an idea from alumni Annalee Jackson during her senior year in 2014.

Her plan was to expose the children who don’t regularly receive an art curriculum at school. It was important to her because art was such a huge part of her life. 

She began the club to share her love of art with the young students. Creating the club and interacting with pre-k was also important because while it was light-hearted, it really taught the students something and started them young so they would grow and hopefully mature with an affection and knowledge of art. 

Ivey-Jackson’s class goes to Scott almost every week to teach the children the basics of art like line, shape, and color. Not only do the kids receive an education through creativity, but they also form a bond and friendship with the high school students. Many of the students claim that they also learn from the pre-kindergarteners. 

“The kids in the club have really taught me to look at things from a different perspective and that creativity and art are so important,” Caroline Anthony, a student, said. 

“I think ABC Art Club does create a bond between the children, as does Julie. They all look forward to the class and spending time with each other,” Ivey-Jackson said.   

Even though the project may be a challenge with traveling to Scott and fitting their schedules with Spence’s, it is important that time is given to the children so they can get the art in and are given exposure to something that affects every aspect of life.  

This year’s president, Katie Wise, is very involved with the club, and it is one of her greatest passions. 

“I love to work with the kids and it is so exciting to me that our school offered something that involved kids,” she said. 

Wise added the nature of the lesson planning and the activities. 

“We start off with teaching the students new art vocabulary. Once we explain what we are learning, we come up with fun ways to remember it before we do the hands-on part of the lesson like coloring, cutting, or painting,” said Wise. 

Having such a great program that not only teaches the Scott students but also Scholars kids is remarkable and life-changing. Other Scholars art students hold ABC Art Club very highly, and it makes their week to get to spend time with these children.   

“Ever since we first started going over there these kids have been the highlight of my day. Just seeing their faces light up after their picture is finished is the best,” said Spear Celaya, another student.