By Lexi MooreStudents in third through sixth grades are learning the art of watercolor from guest artist Jim Mondloch.Mondloch, an artist and teacher from St. Cloud, is known for his watercolor artwork and his ability to motivate and get his students to be involved in the painting process.On Monday he arrived in Beaver Creek with a van full of supplies and paintings. His residency will conclude on Friday.The first day, students learned about watercolor painting techniques and how to mix the paint with water.The grades will spend an hour each afternoon practicing the skills Mondloch is teaching.The students create a series of their own original paintings throughout the week. Their favorite paintings will be displayed at an art show on Feb. 16 in the elementary commons.Mondloch’s arrival at the school did not happen by accident. It took several months of planning and considerable financing.Last fall, principal Todd Holthaus applied for a grant with the Young Audiences of Minnesota.The organization is in its 42nd year of providing arts-in-education programs for students, families and communities in Minnesota and western Wisconsin.The application for the grant was accepted, but Holthaus needed additional funds to pay for the supplies the students would be using. The Exchange State Bank donated money to help make the weeklong residence possible.Jim Mondloch, Minnesota WatercoloristMondloch, a Young Audiences of Minnesota member, began painting while in college at South Dakota State University. He owns Mondloch Painting Contractors, a company offering commercial and residential painting in central Minnesota.He has had paintings displayed at several arts festivals and shows in Minnesota.In 2001, he joined Young Audiences of Minnesota. His love for art is revealed by the joy he experiences when he gets to teach people about art and watch them create it.He hopes students gain a deeper understanding of the artistic discipline and learn artistic terminology.During class, Jim demonstrates watercolor techniques, working with color, texture, values, design and various washes and brushstrokes.As is Mondloch’s habit, he will donate one of his prints to H-BC as a thank you for hosting his residency.The work can be used as an auction or raffle item to help raise money for the school’s art fund. Holthaus hopes to have a raffle in conjunction with the art show in February.