From early human beings depicting animals and scenes of their lives on cave walls in Europe and Asia to the great Renaissance painters creating masterpieces, art has been a way for people to express themselves.
“Art is an expression of what you are feeling,” noted Dr. Elise Patel, who along with her husband Rahul – also a doctor – is organizing the first art show at Montessori Academy in Delran on Saturday, Sept. 19. “It brings out a lot of your emotions.
“Art is a huge part of our lives.”
The couple have passed on their love of art to their children, encouraging them and proudly displaying their artwork at their Cherry Hill home.
“I can draw whatever I want,” said Anjali, their oldest child. “I am helping Mom and Dad make flyers for the art show. “You get to communicate with our friends a lot and get to work together on projects.”
“I really like my teachers,” said Rohan, the couple’s son, adding that at recess he learned to tie a knot with the stem of a flower. “I draw whatever I want on a piece of paper. It’s really fun.”
“Montessori is great for our kids. It’s a tight-knit community that is inclusive and encourages curiosity and creativity,” stated their father, who met his wife on the first day of orientation at Rowan University Medical School. They are now primary care doctors.
The brainchild of Elise, the art show is open to children ages 3 to 12.
“We hope this will be the first of many art exhibits,” she said.
“We are thrilled to be hosting an art show that gives our Montessori Academy students the opportunity to showcase their incredible talents,” school head Jennie Keith enthused. “We are beyond grateful and thrilled. “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.”
Keith said the academy believes creativity is just as important as academics.
“And this event is a beautiful reflection of that philosophy,” she pointed out, 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.
“We can’t wait to celebrate each and every one of them.”
Montessori Academy has served the Delran community on Conrow Road since 1968, according to Keith.
“That’s over 58 years of nurturing young minds right here in our neighborhood,” she said. “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,” Keith added. “We believe every child deserves to be seen, celebrated and challenged, and that is the heart of everything we do at Montessori Academy.
“We are so proud of our legacy and even more excited about the bright future ahead for our students.”
To become a part of the art show, students can pick up canvases at the school, paint or draw over the summer and submit their artwork in September. The show itself will be a three-hour open house for the entire community in the academy’s gym.
For information, call (856) 461-2121 or email manjoffice@manj.org.
Physicians Rahul and Elise Patel -with Rohan, Mira and Anjali – display some of their children’s artwork included in the first art show at Montessori Academy.
