Moving art outdoors

Taking note of the global trend of outdoor education, one local Greenville public school has taken steps towards a more nature-oriented art program with the installation of an outdoor art studio. Stone Academy, in Greenville’s North Main neighborhood, yesterday hosted the ribbon cutting for their new outdoor art space.

Funded partially by volunteer hours and labor, and partially with funds donated through last fall’s Boosterthon event, the outdoor studio will be fully operational by the start of the 2016-17 school year. Landscaped with slate in lieu of mulch in hopes of eliminating yearly maintenance needs, the space will feature 15-30 wrought iron easels, picnic tables and a bright red shade sail.

During the ribbon cutting for the Outdoor Art Studio, art teacher Mr. Benjamin emphasized the importance of bringing the students outdoors in their studies before longtime Stone Academy principal Mr. Ed Holliday cut the ribbon. Mr. Holliday is retiring at the end of the year after 23 years at Stone Academy, and the Outdoor Art Studio features an inscribed stone in his honor at the entrance to the studio.

The ribbon-cutting was the climax of the first annual Stone Artist’ Sidewalk Sale, proceeds of which will go toward the Stone Academy art program.