A claim to fame for Groveland student’s artwork

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The second-grade students in Sara Lovelace’s class at Groveland Elementary School in Minnetonka are getting some recognition for their artwork in the community.

The artwork the students created hangs in the Fresh Seasons Market in Minnetonka near the checkout. It has generated a warm response from community members and shoppers. Lovelace says it makes people feel good.

“We get so many compliments on the artwork from that store,” said Lovelace. “I just love to display my kid’s work, and really just to make other people feel good and to make us feel good.”

The students say they like making others feel good.

“I like it because it makes other people’s day,” said Leah Shedd.

Teddy Rey echoes the same thoughts.

“It makes me feel good to make other people feel good,” Rey said. “It just makes me feel clean.”

The artwork has a seasonal theme – the latest is hearts for Valentines Day. Lovelace says most people don’t realize the art is produced by youngsters.

“People cannot believe it’s second-grade artwork,” Lovelace says. “It’s very cute.”

It’s not just the kids and their parents who notice the craftsmanship of the kids.

“It makes it warm and fuzzy and a little more inviting,” said the store’s acting manager Robyn Wartman. “It does brighten the people’s day.”

Wartman says when Fresh Seasons was approached with the idea, they were more than happy to open a gallery.

“We jumped on it because it’s very cool idea,” Wartman said. “It bridges the gap between community and grocery store.”

Being a close-knit group, Wartman says the excitement the kids get out of seeing their work on display in the community really gives them joy. Those shopping also love it.

“The costumers just love it,” Wartman said. “It’s nice when it changes with the seasons. We love it.”

This is the fourth school year Lovelace’s class has been hanging artwork. The idea originated with parent-volunteer Cindy Scott. Scott, whose two children were enrolled in Lovelace’s class, says after her kids grew up she continued to help out in Lovelace’s classroom.

When the store opened, she pitched the idea to the owner saying he needed to add a sense of community into the store. She grew up in small-town Iowa, and she says it really adds character to a store.

“I said you need to bring a sense of community into store in one way, shape or form,” Scott said.

Since then, Scott says when she hangs the artwork, people never hesitate to comment positively on the artwork. People will even be curious as to the next theme on what she calls “The Wall of Fame.”

She calls it that because the students feel famous to have their work on display somewhere other than school.

The artwork was chosen to hang at Fresh Seasons Market because of the community aspect.

“I’m kind of passionate about family-owned stores,” Lovelace said. “And it’s helped the store out, too.”

Parents have seen the benefits and happiness the artwork can bring.

“I like the concept … it’s nice to have something from our school to have a little art to brighten up the day,” said parent Joanna Rieger.

Rieger has had two kids go through Lovelace’s class, and says for the kids it provides a nice break to the daily routine of school.

“My kids love art so they always are excited to do something that is different than the everyday routine,” Rieger said. “And you can tell all the kids enjoy doing something different.”

Contact Chris Dillmann at chris.dillmann@ecm-inc.com