Black Mountain Presbyterian Church Weekday School celebrates 40 years

Annual art show features work of youngest artists in town

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
March 15, 2024

The creativity of 65 of the town’s youngest residents was on display, March 14, as the Black Mountain Presbyterian Church Weekday School hosted its annual art show.

The event, which allows preschoolers ages 1 to 5 to display their work for family and friends, celebrated the 40th anniversary of the early childhood enrichment program.

Hosted by staff and director Alice Patton, the exhibit featured around 200 pieces of art created by individuals students and a large collaborative piece from the four classes. The work offers a glimpse into the BMPC Weekday School’s approach to engaging young preschool-age students in an academic setting, according to Patton.

“We’re a play-based preschool and we focus a lot on art, as a process,” said Patton, who is in her 20th year as director. “We also work to develop children’s social and emotional skills. We try to help our kids enjoy childhood while learning to love coming to school.”

The half-day program, which operates from September through May, was established by the church in a small classroom, according to Patton, who has been involved with the BMPC Weekday School as a parent, teacher and director for 38 years.

“We’re really excited to celebrate 40 years of the Weekday School with our students and their families,” Patton said. “We’ve had generations of families who have come through here, and it’s always wonderful to see former students come and find the art their children have been working on. We always enjoy this art show.”

BMPC Weekday School commemorated its anniversary with a wall display of photographs of students and staff in the program throughout the decades. Albums containing old class pictures and other candid photos were open nearby.

“I’m proud that we’ve maintained this program all these years, and that’s really a testament to our staff,” Patton said. “We have highly qualified teachers who are dedicated to working with children in this community and they have played a vital role in the continued success of this school.”

Photos from the 2024 Black Mountain Presbyterian Weekday School Art Show and 40th anniversary celebration can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.