Confluence Community Event River Stories

Reynolds School District - Oregon

Confluence Community Event River Stories: A Celebration of Learning, May 16th

On Saturday, May 16th, from 10:30 am to noon, Walt Morey Middle School students,
parents, teachers, and interested community members will be gathering to celebrate
student learning in relation to a grant called Gifts from Our Ancestors. This event will
include drawings, clay sculptures, student stories, people, music, art activities, drinks,
food, and snacks. It will be a fun and educational celebration. We encourage interested members of the community to attend.

In the spirit of confluence, the goal of this event is to provide an opportunity for the
school and local community to “mix and mingle” around the theme of Confluence: River
Stories and to showcase student artwork. Of great importance will be the unveiling of a
prominently displayed five-foot by thirty-foot mural that 7th/8th grade Art students created
with the guidance of Native American (Yakama) artist Toma Villa.

Confluence is literally the junction of two rivers, but it is also a metaphor for the mixing
and mingling of various cultures. During April and May, Mr. Abbert’s 7th and 8th grade art
students researched the Sandy River Delta and Celilo Falls. After that point, students
created drawings based on one of those two places. Their learning has focused on River
Stories including the ecology, the various Native American cultures, and the history of
the many important Native American areas along the Columbia.

In an effort to make connections outside the school, Native American artist Greg
Archuleta and Sandy River Basin Watershed Council representative Bill Weiler were
guest speakers in four art classes. These presenters also helped bring learning to life for
students. Both were guides for twenty-five Morey students when they took a field trip to
Sandy River Delta Park on April 23rd.

We hope interested parties will come support and celebrate the achievements of these
high-achieving Walt Morey students. Come experience Confluence! on May 16th.

Confluence-related pictures, links, and information will be posted on Walt Morey's art
page: mrabbert.tumblr.com Feel free to explore it.

Click any thumbnail image to view a slideshow

Reynolds School District - Oregon
Reynolds School District - Oregon
Reynolds School District - Oregon
Reynolds School District - Oregon
Reynolds School District - Oregon