Students from the Abram Lansing Elementary School in Cohoes aren't just simply learning about art, they're working with a real, professional artist.
"When you see the excitement on their faces when they actually get to draw, and for us, they're actually creating their own image. There's nothing that existed before, a blank page, and then they get to create something," said illustrator Steven Petruccio.
Illustrator Steven Petruccio is assuming of the role of art teacher for the students, but he also has another connection to the school. His work is now displayed in the school's art gallery, part of a continuing exhibit where local artists can show their work.
Students from the Abram Lansing Elementary School in Cohoes aren't just simply learning about art, they're working with a real, professional artist.
"Our students don't have the opportunity to get to art galleries outside of Cohoes, so we've worked to try and bring the opportunity to our students that they wouldn't have if they went outside," said Principal Cliff Bird.
School administrators have always considered important for students, but with the recent focus on math and science technology, the subject has been drifting toward the back seat of the class, but it still can be relevant in today's world.
"We can use the arts to teach the other subjects. We can use the arts to get our students involved in English language arts and math," said Bird.
Now students can not only create art in the class, they can appreciate it in the gallery.
"But to display their work for people to see on a professional level, what real artwork looks like, it's sort of a unique setting, and a great educational opportunity," said Petruccio.
Bring the art class to an art form.