A colorful celebration of creativity

There was excitement throughout the gymnasium as 30 young artists and their families filed in to see the colorful artwork created by three to 12-year-olds for Montessori Academy of New Jersey first-ever Art Show on Sept. 19, the brainchild of Doctors Elise and Rahul Patel.

“Art is an expression of what you are feeling. It brings out a lot of your emotions. Art is a huge part of our lives,” said Dr. Elise Patel, who along with her husband have passed their love of art on to their children.

Their two oldest children, Anjali and Rohan, were delighted to see their artwork displayed along the long tables at the right side of the gym with the other artists, as was their grandfather, Bill Pennock.

“Both of my parents went to art school,” said Pennock, who became an engineer put passed on all their art supplies to his daughter – who put them to good use and even worked at Six Flags Great Adventure drawing caricatures.

“Montessori is great for our kids. It is a tight-knit community that is inclusive and encourages curiosity and creativity,” said Dr. Rahul Patel, who met his wife on the first day of orientation at Rowan University Medical School and now they are both primary care doctors.

“We hope this will be the first of many art exhibits,” said Dr. Elise Patel, adding that it was open to all children ages 3 to 12, and not just students at Montessori Academy in Delran.

“We are thrilled to be hosting an Art Show that gives our students the opportunity to showcase their incredible talents. We are beyond grateful and thrilled,” said Head of School Jennie Keith, who was amazed at the many different mediums used by the artists, including pompoms and cotton balls.

“It is such a wonderful gift when parents step up and take the initiative to enrich our school community, and Dr. Patel and Dr. Patel have done exactly that. Their dedication and passion for our students’ growth is truly inspiring,” said Keith, adding the art is incorporated in the daily curriculum at the school.

“We are very excited. It was a team effort,” said Dr. Elise Patel, as she and Director of Development Doris Roman welcomed guests.

“I can draw whatever I want. I helped Mom and Dad make flyers for the art show,” said Anjali Patel, their oldest child, who enjoys going to school at Montessori. “You get to communicate with our friends a lot and get to work together on projects.”

“Events like this Art Show do not happen without the generous hearts of families who believe in our mission, and we couldn’t be more proud to have them as part of the Montessori Academy family. Their efforts will create memories that our students will carry with them for years to come,” Keith said.

“We believe that creativity is just as essential as academics, and this event is a beautiful reflection of that philosophy,” she said, adding that seeing students express themselves through art and gain a deeper appreciation for the creative process is truly a highlight of the school year.

Montessori Academy has been proudly serving the Delran community on Conrow Road since 1968, Keith said. “That’s over 58 years of nurturing young minds right here in our neighborhood. We originally opened our doors in 1965, and Delran has been our cherished home ever since.

“Our priorities have always centered on providing a truly well-rounded education – one that develops the whole child academically, creatively, socially, and emotionally.”

Thanks to the efforts of two dedicated physicians and their children, some 30 youngsters had a chance to express themselves through art for all the community to see and enjoy.