BLOOMINGDALE — A new event held by the Cross Creek Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization was a team effort, and so were the various works of art that served as the focus of the group’s first Art Gala, held at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School.

Brecca Fithen, the group’s treasurer, noted children at the school worked with their classmates to produce an assortment of paintings, flags and other creations under the direction of Natalie Ujcich, the school’s art teacher.

The pupils used an assortment of household items, from old maps of the Tri-State Area to pieces of bubble wrap, while Ujcich raided the supply cupboard of her classroom.

A replica of the U.S. flag was made with Popsicle sticks painted red, white and blue, while the feathers of a peacock were replicated by dipping pieces of coffee filters in many colors of paint.

A stick in Fithen’s backyard served as the frame on which were wrapped pastel strands of yarn and beads reminiscent of macramé.

“It shows you can make art from many things,” she noted.

Fithen’s contribution to the effort went beyond that, however, as she also led the school’s pre-kindergarteners in their own projects.

She said her focus with those youngsters was in directing them to use paintbrushes and other artistic tools gently, a task they soon relished.

Fithen noted children in each of the school’s classrooms contributed to an overall work of art.

For example, one incorporated small circular tiles on which classmates painted various designs or images, with each given the choice of which two of theirs to be used.

Ujcich said in addition to working together, the children were given choices for their art projects.

“Their hands are in every piece of art,” she said.

The art was displayed on two long tables, with visitors invited to cast bids for them through a silent auction.

One of the most highly sought was a piece comprised of stars and circles punched out of painted canvas by youths in the school’s special needs class.

Also participating were children in the after-school care program, which offers affordable supervision to parents who work for a while after the end of the school day.

“The idea is that art is inclusive,” said Fithen, who noted there is opportunity for everyone to create something beautiful or meaningful using a multitude of materials.

PTO President Jaime Goff noted the children were quite enthusiastic about the endeavor, which began in the fall and continued through the year as Ujcich worked with each grade during the segment of the school year reserved for them.

“It was nice to hear the kids say, ‘We’re making art,'” said Goff.

Taylor Ryan, who serves as parent liaison for the group, remarked, “All of the kids are so proud and so excited.”

Adding to the excitement of the Art Gala was a disc jockey playing music, a backdrop for photos, and food served by culinary students and staff at the vocational school.

Goff expressed appreciation to the school for its support, which included one of the many gift baskets donated, with other prizes, by local businesses and other organizations for drawings held during the event.

Proceeds from the drawings and the silent auction will go to activities organized by the PTO, including an end-of-year picnic at the school with a tug-of-war, potato sack races and other games.

Goff said the group is very active, with a Someone Special Dance, in which pupils are invited to bring an adult who is important to them, and various field trips among events it supports.