Mineola Primary has started an Art Club, the product of one third-grade teacher's dedication to her students.  

This is the school’s first year to offer an art club. Heather Kinsel dreamed of creating an art club open to all third graders, but one that could also provide an outlet for students who may not excel academically to express their creativity.  

“Some kids are here just to be here, others are here because they truly love to create art. Students who struggle with academics can come to Art Club and feel like they have a place where they can express themselves and really stand out,” Kinsel said.  

Kinsel and fellow teachers Laura Wallace, a first-grade teacher, and Suann Pullen, a second-grade teacher, volunteer their time to lead the club, which meets Mondays after school untill 4:45 p.m. Pullen and Wallace credit Kinsel, saying it was her idea and they are just along for the ride.  

The club began in September, and the teachers hope to continue it through the end of the school year, giving students a chance to see how their artistic abilities develop through the year.  

The teachers use supplies donated from their classrooms or purchased out of their own pockets. They are currently in need of paint markers, watercolor paints and brushes, soda can tabs, acrylic paintbrushes, canvases, heavy art paper, colored pencils, crayons and aluminum foil.  

Anyone wishing to donate supplies to the Art Club can drop them off at the Mineola Primary School office and designate them for any of the three Art Club teachers.