We discovered plenty of artists in our midst this week as PTOs and PTAs worked to enrich students lives with art programs, exhibits, and hands-on activities. Plus, we found a great community-building event that centered on tamales!

• The parent volunteers who participate in the arts enrichment program at Delaine Eastin Elementary School in Union City, Calif., got to strut their stuff recently when they participated in their own art show. Called “Mimic the Masters Show,’’ the event showcased artwork representations of such masters as Vincent van Gogh and Salvador Dali. The parents-as-artists regularly run art appreciation and art history programs for the elementary school students.

• The Stow PTO, a parent group servicing several schools in Stow, Mass., recently ran an Arts Buffet Festival that not only displayed students’ artwork but also provided many hands-on art activities, from mosaic tiles to fabric memo boards. This was the 10^th annual festival. It was started by a volunteer who wanted to encourage kids to appreciate art and believe it can be an “essential part of life.’’

• Another school hoping to promote the arts with hands-on experiences is across the country from Stow in Kennewick, Wash. The Highlands Middle School’s PTO ran an art appreciation day inviting artists in the community to spend time with students. Students were encouraged to paint tiles that will become part of a mural at the school and parents were also offered the opportunity to do a tile for a cost of $5. The PTO will use those funds to pay for other student enrichment programs.

• And, finally, I think there’s something truly artistic about a well-made tamale! That’s right! Parent volunteers at the Escuela Bilingue Pioneer Elementary School in Lafayette, Colo., recently hosted a Tamale Fundraiser to raise money and bring families together. Organizers said the event helped unite the community as more than 100 volunteers worked for hours to make a variety of tamales. Funds will be used for a number of programs, including the purchase of Spanish-language books. The group produced a great video that conveys the spirit of a nice community-building event.