The arts are alive and well in Escalon.

One look at the variety of work in the annual Arts Alive student showcase was proof of that.

Students at all grade levels contributed to the recent show, which took up residence in the old gym on the EHS campus for the past week. Classes got to come in and tour the show, as well as participate in a number of hands on art projects, from spin art to making necklaces, coloring to sculpture. Theme for this year was ‘Art Goes to the Circus’ and there were lots of clowns, circus animals and more featured in the artwork submitted by students.

“It was a good show,” said Escalon High art teacher Neil Thomas, one of the show coordinators. “In spite of the low budget, everybody pulled together and it happened. We have a lot of talent this year and the teachers love this.”

Thomas said the new Art Club on the high school campus provided the design for the show.

All grade levels were represented, kindergarten through seniors, whether the ‘art’ was the photography done by El Portal students, origami art or creating elephants with squares of paper.

“So many of these kids love having a creative outlet, it’s good for them,” Thomas added. “They love the interactive part of it.”

High school and middle school students manned the various art stations while the elementary students came through the show, working one on one with their younger schoolmates.

“I like working with the little kids, how they get to show off their creative side,” said junior Cassie Murken, volunteering at the show.

The student artwork was also on display for the community at the school’s Open House on Wednesday night.

“Some people were coming by and asking prices,” Thomas said. “I’m jazzed by that.”

Next year, he said, the plan is to use Fairy Tales as the theme for the district wide show.