PHOTO GALLERY: Fine arts provide alternative learning methods to children at Lee Elementary

January 11, 2013 | 6:00 a.m. CST

Lee Elementary wants to formalize its schoolwide incorporation of art into all classroom subjects. Lee Elementary has plans to propose a transition to an autonomous school to the Columbia School Board this spring.

From left, Sam Hecht, 7, colors clay while Joanne Kee, 6, does the same during Ann Mehr's art class at Lee Elementary School. The children were experimenting with color and lines on clay candy as part of a unit based on "Hansel and Gretel." Other art projects on the same theme included clothes pins as well as gingerbread houses. | Emma Kessinger

Ann Mehr talks to her students during art class at Lee Elementary School. Lee Elementary is an expressive arts school that will petition to become an autonomous school in the spring. | Emma Kessinger

Colored clay in the shape of candy lays on a desk in Ann Mehr's art classroom in Lee Elementary School. The students learned about elements of art as part of the "Hansel and Gretel" lesson. | Emma Kessinger