Petrides Students Draw Live at Whiteboard Art Spirit Night
Students from Michael J. Petrides Middle School competed in several rounds of live whiteboard art at Dave & Buster's in Staten Island, with parents and staff cheering them on.
Students drawing during a round.
On Tuesday, October 6th, students from Michael J. Petrides Middle School filled a row of whiteboards at Dave & Buster's in Staten Island for the Whiteboard Art Spirit Night. The event was organized by Gerard Uselli, the school's art teacher.
The night ran in several rounds. In each one, students got a whiteboard, a handful of markers, and a reference image to work from, and a set amount of time to finish. From there, the drawings were their own. Lisa Simpson stood on a beach with butterflies and dune grass. Homer held up a three-tier birthday cake. Patrick Star stood at the shoreline next to a patch of green and purple sand. A superhero in a star-print costume stood over a night skyline with Kirby on her hand, and one student was still adding buildings to the city while the judges walked by.
Around the room, students worked on their boards in marker, adding detail and color while holding their reference sheets close. Some drew in marker, some colored in, and some did both. It was a competition, and the students worked at it with focus, creating under a time limit with other people watching and other boards going up beside them.
A winner was picked from each round and went home with prizes that included art supplies. Between rounds and after the results, the students were good sports. They cheered for each other, checked out each other's boards, and stood together for photos next to their work.
Parents and school staff came out to support the students, and the room stayed full all night. It was a good night for the Petrides community.
Stereotype Co. Founder Dave Noodlez was one of the judges.
Judges comparing notes.
"The students had great imaginations, and I know they have a bright future ahead. I look forward to future events." — Dave Noodlez
Thank you to Mr. Ucelli for organizing the night, and to the Petrides Panthers, their families, and the staff for the support.
Photo Credit: @mjpetridesschool