Sachem School District was happy to host an exhibit of M.C. Escher’s artwork at the Sequoya Middle School.
 
M.C. Escher has been called the “Master of Artistic Illusion”. On October 14th students and staff at Sequoya Middle School found out first hand why Escher received that prestigious title. Giant reproductions of Escher’s work were beautifully displayed in the exhibit room at Sequoya Middle School. These pieces of art work were provided by the Teacher’s Discovery Traveling Exhibit, which journeys around the country to share the gift of art. From October 14th through the 24th, children and adults of all ages flocked to the Escher exhibit to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to observe such celebrated pieces. One piece in particular, the “Drawing Hands”, contain the techniques of line illusions and the usages of paradoxes that the students at Sequoya Middle School recognize Escher to be known for.  
 
The success of the M.C. Escher Art Exhibit would not have been possible with out the hard work and strategic planning of the school’s art teachers, Denise Phillips and Karen Kwartler. Throughout the school year they have highlighted this event by hanging fact sheets and posters about Escher across the school’s hallways.
 
Although the art exhibit has passed, it still continues to make a huge impact on the school. Events like “black and white day” (where students only dressed in the according colors) were also coordinated to emphasize the fact Escher only worked in black and white. The math department plans on examining several papers Escher wrote that explain his mathematical approach to his artwork. The department will also be discussing tessellations, and Escher’s use of symmetry he has displayed so flawlessly in his art work.   
The M.C. Escher Art Exhibit served as a great learning tool that both the students and staff of Sequoya Middle School truly enjoyed.
 
Photo (left to right): Teachers Karen Kwartler and Denise Philips with the artwork displayed in Sequoya Middle School.