By Tess Malijenovsky
If you haven’t heard already, Artsonia is nationwide project that archives the artwork of children online. This program not only stimulates student creativity and enhances student self-esteem, but students can encourage their classmates with positive comments when they view everyone’s artwork. Parents, friends and family members can optionally purchase items such as mugs, stationery, etc. with the student art transcribed on the purchase items to make personalized gifts. Also, Artsonia contributes a small percentage of items purchased with student artwork to Beaufort Elementary Art Department. Lastly, your child could be selected as the “Artist of the Week” and receive a $50 gift certificate from Dick Blick art supplies.
Rebecca Dollman, the art teacher at Beaufort Elementary School, is coordinating Artsonia with the help of a few parent volunteers by photographing and downloading all students’ first art projects from this year. Their first art project focused on graphic art, lettering and what it means to be a graphic artist.  Students created designs with their name, initials or first letter only depending on grade levels.
Although all student artwork is posted online, it will remain hidden until you give permission for the work to be published. If you would like to grant permission through the site, email Rebecca Dollman at rebecca.dollman@beaufort.k12.sc.us so that she can provide you with your child’s code:  first name and code number.  You can use the code to give permission online, and you can provide Artsonia with your email address so that you can find out when your child’s work is published or receives comments.