Haley Clemente, Fiona Wong, Teddy Musser, Aria Bagheriannia and Wesley Kim enjoy an original Bob Ross painting. Photo by Sandra Musser
Great Falls Elementary sixth graders enjoyed a morning of fun and games with the Bob Ross Foundation on May 22. Bob Ross, the artist and longtime host of the show “The Joy of Painting,” died in 1995. He was a beloved TV personality, known for his quaint expressions and lighthearted approach to teaching painting techniques from 1983 to 1994 on PBS stations around the US and beyond. In recent years, he has become something of an internet sensation with young people, as many GFES sixth graders can attest.
Under the leadership of GFES art instructor, Caitlyn Giroux, sixth graders wrote letters (yes, the old fashioned kind with a postage stamp) to the Herndon-based foundation to express their admiration of Bob Ross and an interest in finding out more about the artist. They were rewarded for their efforts with a visit from the foundation that was both informative and interactive.
Adia said “It was very humbling to see paintings created by such an iconic artist.”
“It was fun looking at the paintings and seeing the texture and the attention to detail,” reported William.
The event at GFES included Bob Ross Bingo, photo ops with original Bob Ross paintings and a lifesize cutout, Q&A with the foundation leadership and fun artist-themed prizes. It was a memorable event and a testament to the ability of our young FCPS students to make things happen.