Rock 'N Roll Street Party Fundraiser Held At Hard Rock Casino

By Rick Wells, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- In many school settings, art seems to be the first thing eliminated when the cost cutting begins. At Tulsa's Street School, art is an essential part of the curriculum and helps students build self confidence.

Now, students are putting the finishing touches on some art projects to be auctioned this weekend.

Ian Legg and Ashley Whitewater are trying to knock out one more painting before the weekend's big fund raiser.

"Art helps everyone in different ways," Ashley said.

Laura Abbott's their art teacher. She was happy to show off the work her students have created, but she says there is more than art going on here. They're building confidence, re-building spirit

Ian Legg's a good example.

He says he actually looks forward to coming to school now. This art class is a big reason why.

Ashley's a senior, and she says art class has made all the difference for her.

"With me I didn't know I could do some of the things I could," Ashley said. "So I wondered what else I could do outside the classroom - kind of opens you up."

She's excited to graduate and get on with life.

The stories are similar all around the room. Many of these pieces started as photos of things around the school: a drinking fountain, a bag of chips. A clock in the cafeteria.

There is excellent work everywhere you look, and it carries over. Success in art class leads to success in other classes.

The students are creating the art, but in a very real way the art is creating better students. The student art will be auctioned at the school's annual fundraising event.

That's the Rock 'n Roll Street Party, Saturday night at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

For tickets and information call the school at 833-9813.